Responding to analysis by the Local Government Association on the
variation in new homes being built around the country as a result
of the Government’s proposed new housing targets for councils, Cllr
Tom Beattie, Vice Chair of the District Councils’ Network, said:
“The Government’s planning reforms are proposing a national
house-building fiasco based on a muddy formula cooked up in
Whitehall which rides roughshod over local housing need.
“Local communities must have the powers to shape the future of
their local areas, where housing need is determined and supported
by proper evidence, not arbitrary spreadsheets.
“This is why planning, as with other important district council
services, must be responsive to local communities. It is critical
their voice isn’t marginalised through reforms to planning or in
moves to reduce local influence through creating huge new mega
councils.
“House-building is central to creating jobs and growth in local
economies, as well as the nation recovering from the coronavirus
pandemic. There is a real risk that in ramping up targets in some
areas and bulldozing ambitious plans in others, that the
Government risks levelling down some parts of the county.
“District councils are absolutely committed to building the
housing the country desperately needs, and meeting the national
target of 300,000 homes a year.
“But it is essential that we get this right. This is why councils
need powers to act where building has stalled, and greater
support to get on and build homes that are affordable, green,
high quality and supported by the right infrastructure.”
