Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner unveils plans for new towns to combat the housing crisis, drawing inspiration from post-war efforts and aiming to build 1.5 million new homes in their first term, as part of a broader national housing strategy.
Labour Pledges New Towns to Tackle Housing Crisis
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader and shadow housing secretary, announced that a Labour government would build new towns to address the housing crisis. The announcement was made at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds on 20 May 2024.
Labour plans to back “developers who deliver” on high-quality, affordable housing, complete with green spaces, schools, and transport links. The initiative draws inspiration from Labour’s post-war housing efforts, including towns like Stevenage and Basildon. This is part of a broader ambition to construct 1.5 million new homes in their first term.
A new towns taskforce would identify potential sites based on local demand and infrastructure viability, with recommendations expected within six months of Labour taking office and confirmed within a year. The government aims for these towns to be operational by the end of their first term.
Additionally, Labour cites a decline in planning applications, attributing the drop to the current government’s planning policies and the removal of mandatory housing targets.
The announcement also comes amidst ongoing investigations into Angela Rayner’s own housing situation, though she maintains focus on the broader national housing strategy.
This initiative forms a key part of Labour’s strategy to ensure sustainable housing growth and economic stability across Britain.