HBF supports Government’s steps to unblock planning system in King’s Speech

17 Jul, 2024

In the first State Opening of Parliament, King Charles set out new legislation prioritised by the new Government to “get Britain building” with a Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Following the speech, Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, said: “The ambition on housing delivery and policy proposals put forward to deliver them are positive and welcome. Planning has been the biggest constraint on house building in recent years and the measures proposed will address the main areas of concern by bringing more land forward for development more quickly.

“Housing delivery has a range of determinants and will require a number of policy areas are addressed. Moves to unblock the planning system are a huge step forward but we will also need to see moves to help increase mortgage availability, especially for young people, if we are to get to the levels Government is aiming to deliver.

“Building the homes the country needs will address the social issues our housing crisis is creating, provide young people with access to decent housing, whilst creating tens of thousands of jobs and boosting investment in communities in every area of the country.”

Read an overview of the announced legislation in our HBF member briefing.