Pennycook rejects claim Labour had no housing plan
Summary
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook told MPs that the Government had a detailed housing plan in opposition and has been implementing it over the past two years. He highlighted the Renters’ Rights Act, leasehold reform, planning system changes and a reported 15% rise in new-build starts, while declining to confirm whether the 1.5 million homes target by 2029 is on track.
Why it matters
These policy areas directly affect residential property surveying through changes to tenure, development activity and the planning environment. Surveyors may also see knock-on effects in housing supply, transaction volumes and the regulatory context for residential assets.
Key points
- Pennycook defended Labour’s housing record and said a detailed plan existed before the election.
- He cited the Renters’ Rights Act and efforts to end the leasehold system as major achievements.
- The Government says it has overhauled the planning system and boosted new-build starts.
- New-build starts were said to be up 15% in the past year.
- No confirmation was given on progress toward the 1.5 million homes target by 2029.
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