Following Michael Gove’s speech today regarding the Government’s future plans for housing, industry body Propertymark has called for decisive action.
Nathan Emerson (pictured), CEO of Propertymark, attended Gove’s announcement.
He said that, despite the promise to ease planning laws in order to build more new homes, there was still more to be done.
Emerson said: “The UK Government’s commitment to building more homes is disappointing. In order to provide the homes the country needs, plans need to be more ambitious and Government must go faster and further to achieve this.
“Avoiding a fragmented approach is key, as well as having housing targets that are linked to tenure to meet the demand in different areas across the country.
“Housing reforms must also reflect societal change, help tackle the climate emergency, involve the tax system, meet the needs of older people and ultimately provide more affordable options, whilst protecting the green belt.”
However, Emerson also praised the Government’s plans to tackle the ongoing struggles within the private rented sector (PRS), stating that landlords should be receiving as much more support.
“Changes to the private rented sector in England have been long awaited and it is positive to hear that the UK Government is looking to ensure that good landlords and agents are supported in these proposals,” he added.
“The private rented sector is crucial to a well-functioning housing market so a whole-scale long-term plan involving tax reform and clarity on energy efficiency targets is needed to address the imbalance in high demand and low housing supply and incentivise investment for property agents and their landlords.
“It is encouraging to see that further leasehold law changes are on the cards as it’s imperative that the reforms reduce costs for consumers and create a level playing field with those who already own a leasehold property.
“Furthermore, we welcome the proposals for a new design code to improve the quality of new homes and the inclusion of new support to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder.”
Emerson concluded: “The announcements from the Secretary of State are a step in the right direction, but we need action now across all regions to provide homes that the country needs.”
