UK housing targets

The UK government is set to implement a significant overhaul of the planning system, introducing mandatory housing targets for councils to address the housing crisis and facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes. Under the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), councils will be required to increase their housing targets by approximately 50%, reversing previous decisions that weakened these mandates. The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, emphasized that councils have a 'moral obligation' to build more homes and warned of potential government intervention if they fail to comply. Furthermore, Labour plans to reclassify certain green belt areas to encourage development and will enhance assessments of local housing needs based on projected population changes. The reforms are expected to provide a framework for sustainable development while allowing local residents to influence housing styles without obstructing construction. These changes aim to expedite housing delivery and tackle the barriers hindering economic growth.