Councils slam Angela Rayner's ambitious housing targets as unrealistic

In recent discussions, councils across England and Wales have expressed significant opposition to government-set housing targets, indicating that the goal to construct 1.5 million new homes over the next five years is overly ambitious. These challenges arise as local governments struggle to reconcile their planning frameworks and existing resources with the stringent targets laid out by the government. Many local councils acknowledge the necessity for increased housing to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis but criticize the feasibility of these targets, asserting that they often do not reflect local needs, available land, or public support. Broxtowe council in Nottinghamshire explicitly termed the targets 'very challenging, if not impossible,' while South Tyneside's local authority deemed the ambitions 'wholly unrealistic.' Furthermore, Central Bedfordshire's independent leadership highlighted concerns over infrastructural sustainability amidst projected growth. The Labour government has been adamant that prior target-setting methods need overhauling, shifting from projections based on anticipated populations to current housing stock affordability assessments. This perspective has invigorated discussions around local control and the government’s overarching authority over housing decisions, leading some councils to call for more tailored, localized strategies that account for specific community dynamics. Councils, responsible for granting planning permissions, largely depend on the private sector for housing developments, posing additional challenges regarding these national targets aimed at stimulating economic growth. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, has stated that the government intends to bolster efforts in housing construction, which could see a rise in annual building targets from 300,000 to over 370,000 homes, emphasizing the need for mandatory targets. The Local Government Association also advocates for councils being equipped with better tools and flexibility to address unique local housing needs. The outcome of these consultations and the ensuing debates will significantly influence local planning and housing policies as various stakeholders work toward finding a balance between national ambitions and on-the-ground realities.