The long-anticipated, repeatedly delayed Housing White Paper is finally due to be published next week. It will be a seminal moment for Theresa May’s government, and of course for the industry.
Many of the policies contained in the White Paper have either been announced at the Autumn Statement or trailed heavily in the media. In particular, we can expect measures in the White Paper on land, planning, off-site manufacturing and promoting the delivery of new housing across all tenures.
WA has today published a new report offering a view on the political direction of travel for housing, and which policies are most likely to be incorporated in the government’s White Paper. Please click here to download the report and read more about what we think could be in the White Paper.
The political context shaping the government’s thinking
Housing policy is inextricably linked with the Prime Minister’s wider social and economic aims – supporting families who are ‘just about managing’, demonstrating that government can be a force for good in peoples’ lives, and increasing the UK’s productivity. Number 10’s commitment to this area shouldn’t be underestimated. Mrs May expects to be judged on her progress on housing at the 2020 election, and the issue is close the hearts of John Godfrey (her Policy Director) and Nick Timothy (her Co-Chief of Staff).
At a ministerial level, there is a generational shift underway with Housing Minister Gavin Barwell representing a younger, more urban constituency that is crying out for more housing. Mr Barwell has been far more vocal than his predecessors in calling for more new homes to be delivered across all tenures.
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid knows his political future lies in his ability to demonstrate that he can deliver on one of the thorniest areas in domestic politics.
The stakes have been raised for Mr Javid with recent figures showing that housing starts increased by 6% in Q3 2016, compared with Q2 2016. He cannot afford to slip back on the progress that has been made. That housing starts and completions remain below pre-recession levels gives him room for manoeuvre.