UK Housing Secretary Urges Industry to Build 1.5 Million Homes

New Housing Secretary Steve Reed has launched a vigorous campaign to accelerate housebuilding in the UK, pledging to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament by addressing key obstacles such as complex planning processes. Reed, joined by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, emphasized a strategic partnership with developers and housebuilders to unleash one of the largest building eras in the country's history, with a focus on planning reform and increased investment. His recent visit to a housing development in Bedfordshire highlighted ongoing projects like the Linmere estate, which includes thousands of homes and associated infrastructure. The government plans to introduce a series of measures including new towns, intensified use of brownfield sites, and the passage of the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill to support this building surge. Additionally, reinstating mandatory housing targets aims to reverse previous restrictions and boost construction to levels not seen in over 40 years. While there is sector division on rent convergence policies, the administration is committed to breaking down barriers and delivering homes for working families nationwide.