February 13th 2025.
Growing up, I learned that a home is more than just a place to live. It's a source of security and a foundation for building a life. Every hard-working individual deserves a good home to call their own. Unfortunately, too many people reading this may not be able to afford the homes they need.
For millions, the housing market can feel like a never-ending struggle. Instead of a ladder to help them climb towards their goals, it often feels like a hamster wheel, constantly trying to stay in the same place. I've heard stories of people working two jobs and still not being able to afford a house. Young adults still living with their parents. Families stuck in temporary accommodation. And those who are renting privately facing the instability of not being able to save for a deposit.
But a home means more than just bricks and mortar. It means stability and security. If you work hard, you should be able to expect that security. Unfortunately, the previous government failed to build the homes that our country needs, breaking the link between hard work and security.
But my government is determined to fix this issue. We are demanding that mortgage rules be relaxed to make it easier for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder. And we're going even further by implementing a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme that will allow lenders to loan money to those with smaller deposits.
But we know that this alone is not enough. That's why we are also taking steps to turbocharge building in our country. We're cutting through the red tape and regulations that have been holding up development and are committed to building 1.5 million high-quality and well-designed homes across Britain.
How are we going to achieve this? By making it mandatory for local areas to plan and build the homes that people need. We will no longer accept "no" for an answer and are rolling up our sleeves through the New Homes Accelerator program.
We're also addressing the nonsensical system that hinders building projects in order to protect bats and newts. Since the election, we have already unblocked 20,000 homes that were stuck in the system under the previous government. And today, we are announcing even more projects that we are unblocking, including one in London that will provide almost 4,000 homes, two primary schools, a health center, local businesses, and a new riverside park.
Our determination to support builders rather than blockers is already making a difference. Planning applications are expected to increase by almost 160%, showing that businesses recognize our commitment to getting Britain building.
But we know that we need to do more and do it faster. That's why we are targeting the best places in the country to deliver the next generation of new towns. These will be places close to existing infrastructure, with good job opportunities and a thriving community.
We will not allow landowners to hold out for huge profits that drive up house prices and lower quality. We will ensure that land is bought at a fair price, with the power to make compulsory purchase orders when necessary.
When planning permission is granted, the land will increase in value. And because of the scale of these developments, that increased value will be invested directly into the new community from the start. This means better roads, schools, public transport, and GP surgeries for the new residents.
I know that there will be strong opposition to our plans. For too long, NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) and naysayers have been able to halt progress and prevent these much-needed homes from being built. But I refuse to accept their cynical claim that no one wants these homes. In fact, we have received over 100 proposals from across the country to build new towns.
These new towns will be affordable, safe, and comfortable. They will have all the necessary services and amenities for a thriving community. They will be well-connected and well-designed, with ample access to green space and nature. And most importantly, they will provide the security that working families deserve.
This is all part of our Plan for Change. Our goal is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of working people. We are standing with the builders, not the blockers, and putting the spades in the ground to build a Britain that will last for generations to come.
Thank you for reading and remember to email us at mail@ukTheAgency to ask the PM your questions about our building plans. Sir Keir will be answering them in next week's issue of Metro.
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