Angela Rayner wants to build a ‘council house revolution’

The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister has announced a complete overhaul of the planning system in England and Wales to allow 1.5 million new homes to be built.

Angela Rayner wants to build a “council house revolution” to tackle England’s housing shortage.

Under the Tory government mandatory housing targets were cut, but this will be restored allowing for some low-quality green belt to be freed up for building new homes.

New research has revealed that just 1% of green belt land could bring more than 700,000 new homes across England and Wales.

Rishi Sunak’s government has been blamed for making changes that has prevented house being built, and under the Tories less than 200,000 would have been built falling short of the 300,000 target.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday before the summer recess Rayner told MPs, “Today I am setting out a radical plan to not only get the homes we desperately need, but also drive the growth, create jobs and breathe life back into towns and cities.

“We are ambitious, and what I say won’t be without controversy, but this is urgent because this Labour Government is not afraid to take on the tough choices needed to deliver for our country.”

The reforms will see the government promote housebuilding in towns and cities that are dense areas.

However, building on any green belt land is subject to the “golden rules” which means 50% of the development must affordable homes with access to schools, GP surgeries and open green space.

Rayner told MPs, “Today I’m calling on local authorities, housing associations and industry to work with me to deliver a council house revolution.”

The Deputy Prime Minister has promised the “biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.”