Norfolk MP says local authorities need more powers to help build good homes
The Government says it will deliver 1.5 million new homes across the UK by 2029
A recently elected MP in Norfolk is telling us that more powers need to be devolved to local authorities, so they can help deliver more affordable and first-rate homes.
Parliament returns today after its summer break, with Sir Keir Starmer's Government looking to make progress on things like planning reform, which featured heavily in Labour's winning manifesto.
"This work will help improve quality of life for many"
Alice Macdonald is from the Labour Party and represents Norwich North: "I met young people during the General Election campaign who have had to move back in with their parents because they simply couldn't get on the housing ladder.
"It's very difficult to find good rental accommodation in Norwich and it's a situation which adds an additional barrier to young people.
"It's not only a basic need that we need to get right in society, but building homes also helps to create jobs. The Government has promised to put in place a 'Warm Homes' programme, to improve insulation and the quality of homes.
"Not only is that important, but it can also create jobs as well, via retrofitting.
"This work will help improve quality of life for many, it will also remove the uncertainty that young people feel around getting on the housing ladder or affording spiralling rent."
What has the Government promised to do on housing?
The Government announced in July via The King's Speech:
"My Ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high quality infrastructure and housing Planning and Infrastructure Bill. They will also pursue sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies."
Last week. The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that:
-A new expert group- called 'New Homes Accelerator', featuring Government agencies, local planning departments and housebuilders, will speed up delivery of stalled housing sites.
-Early analysis estimates there are 200 large sites across England which could delivery up to 300,000 new homes.
-Supports plans will be put in place to deliver 1.5 million homes across the UK, by 2029.