Angela Rayner to push for 'new wave' of homes to 'turn the tide' on housebuilding crisis

Angela Rayner is set to press for a "new wave" of property development to "turn the tide" on the housing crisis during a meeting with leading builders, local councils and sector leaders next week.

On Tuesday, the Housing Secretary will host the inaugural national housing delivery board to examine how building regulations, standards and the planning framework are hindering construction efforts.

While Ms Rayner has previously admitted there is only a "slim chance" that Labour will hit its pledge of 1.5 million new homes in England by the next general election, she insists she has not abandoned the target.

Heightened costs in construction and turbulence from the Iran war have complicated these ambitions, though the Government believes that introducing over 400 new planning officers will help accelerate decision making.

Ms Rayner told the Press Association: “We all know the scale of the housing crisis and the consequences for families denied the security of a safe and affordable home.

“I’ve made it my priority to back a new wave of social, council, and affordable housing and help those who can’t rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad to buy their own home.

“Now I’m bringing councils, government, and industry together through the country’s first national housing delivery board.”

The board will bring together the Home Builders Federation, Construction Leadership Council and Peabody, with the Building Safety Regulator, Homes England as well as housing associations, councils and mayors.

It comes as 420 new planning officers have been hired in total through government supported schemes.

the new recruits, which exceed the 300 new officers pledge, will help families and businesses obtain quicker decisions.

The extra officers could help to provide quicker answers for homeowners looking to extend or convert their loft, and small businesses improving their premises, the government said last month.

Ms Rayner added: “By getting the people who plan, fund and build our homes around one table, we can focus on cutting delays and the remaining blockages holding back housebuilding.

“With new housing starts already up 20% compared to this time last year, our bold reforms are working but there’s much more to do.

“I want to see action, targets, and promises delivered.

“We know the demand is there, we have rewritten the rule book, now it’s time to get on with the job and build.

“We will turn the tide on the housing crisis and I’m determined we use every lever to get this country building and give families the safe, secure and affordable homes they deserve.”