Rayner Unveils Major Housing Overhaul

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the UK's housing planning system to address what she describes as the 'most acute housing crisis in living history.' The new plan includes mandatory housing targets of 370,000 homes annually, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over five years. Rayner criticized the previous Conservative government's advisory targets and promised to ensure developments reflect local needs while protecting nature. Special rules will mandate higher housing targets in the most unaffordable areas and allow for the development of some green belt lands. The plan also focuses on increasing social and affordable housing, with significant support from Labour MPs. Although some Tory MPs and leaders criticize the approach as top-down, Rayner assures that local communities will still have a say in the planning process.