Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
The Department explained how its reforms to the planning system were intended to speed up...
Conclusion
The Department explained how its reforms to the planning system were intended to speed up building and, through increasing certainty with the system, encourage more small and medium-sized developers to build homes. It told us that it was also looking to encourage a greater range and variety of homes on large sites, which it believed will encourage build out.31 It explained that it was seeking views on how it could further encourage build out and reduce the practice of developers buying land, then delaying building on the land acquired for which they have planning permission.32 Affordable housing
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.1 The government disagrees with this recommendation. 3.2 The department has and continues to be transparent about its objectives, and the progress towards them. In June 2019, the department published its latest Single Department Plan, including strategic objectives to increase supply. The Departmental Plan will be updated in line with the wider timetable, to be agreed with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. The department publishes quarterly data on the progress towards raising net housing supply to 300,000 a year, meeting Conservative Party manifesto commitments. 3.3 This government is determined to level up opportunities across the country, building the homes this country needs. 3.4 The department has made significant progress having delivered over 1.8 million new homes since 2010, including 508,000 affordable homes and around 244,000 additional homes last year - the highest level in over 30 years. 3.5 COVID-19 and associated economic conditions have significantly impacted supply. To support house building, the government announced initial funding of £7.1 billion for a new National Home Building Fund, unlocking up to 860,000 homes. This includes £2.2 billion of new loan finance to support housebuilders across the country. 3.6 This forms part of the nearly £20 billion in multi-year capital investment announced in the 2020 Spending Review, including the new £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme will provide up to 180,000 new homes. 3.7 The Planning for the Future White Paper in August 2020 proposed reforms to streamline and modernise the planning process, with enough land and the long-term conditions for increased supply.