Key takeaways from Angela Rayner’s speech at UKREiiF.
In case you missed it: SoS Angela Rayner spoke at UKREiiF last Tuesday, updating us on her thoughts on planning, growth and infrastructure. Here are her 5 key points:
- The 1.5 million homes target “is stretching”, but she “won’t shy away from the challenge.”
- Angela re-iterated that the government’s housing vision is about “so much more than hitting one target”, and that developers must build “well-designed, decent homes for local people”, which “come alongside the GP surgeries, schools and parks they need.”
- In a speech that focussed significantly on Northern England, she made special mention to ‘The Great North’ partnership, announced the previous day, promising £118bn of investment opportunities in the region.
- Rayner also praised the role of Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside Councils that “disrupt the market for the better”, in making the system more “diverse and innovative.”
- Further funding for social housing was promised in the speech, with details to be confirmed in the upcoming ‘Spending Review’ scheduled for 11th June.
In a separate UKREiiF speech last Thursday, Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, also emphasised his belief that the total reorganisation of two-tier authorities into unitary councils could be achieved “during the course of this parliament”. He also confirmed MHCLGs intention to publish the English Devolution Bill “before summer recess”, which this year will be Tuesday 22nd July.
There was no mention of any replacement for ‘Help to Buy’ to help meet 1.5 million homes target, despite continued lobbying; with the Secretary of State preferring to support the social housing sector with further funds.
To read the Secretary of State’s speech at UKREiiF click here
