Reforms to national policy consultation response

Our response to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Reforms to National Planning Policy consultation has now been submitted.

Informed by discussion with members, our response cautions that the proposed amendments to the NPPF will undermine delivery of homes (including much needed truly affordable homes).

“Given the level of housing need in England and with so many people facing huge challenges in accessing and maintaining affordable, decent homes, a move to enable delivery of yet fewer homes seems an entirely misplaced focus and will serve to make the delivery of 300,000 homes a year even less likely.”

We welcome the government’s acknowledgement of the importance of social housing in the consultation’s discussion of longer term policy direction, and the suggestion that national planning policy should make clear that local authorities should give greater importance in planning to delivering social rent homes.

“If the government were to commit to making social and affordable housing a national priority and place it at the centre of policy, an opportunity exists here to shape a recovery that benefits every community and leaves no one behind.”

We also highlight our concerns around the details of the proposed Infrastructure Levy (currently progressing as part of the Levelling Up Bill, through the House of Lords) in terms of the impact of affordable housing provision.

You can find out more detail about our response by downloading our full response submission.