Rayner’s Bold Move: London’s Housing Target Slashed Amid National Boost

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has unveiled a sweeping reform of the planning system, cutting London’s housebuilding target by 20,000 homes. Despite this, the national target will rise to 370,000 homes annually, up from 300,000.

Rayner highlighted the urgent need to tackle Britain’s severe housing crisis, with new homes expected to fall below 200,000 this year. She dismissed the previous London target of 100,000 homes as unrealistic, setting a new target of 80,000.

Priced Out, a housing advocacy group, criticised the reduction, stressing London’s affordability issues. Freddie Poser, the group’s executive director, welcomed the national target increase but urged maintaining the 100,000 target for London.

The new rules will enforce mandatory housing targets for local councils, reversing the previous advisory approach. Rayner argued that the old method, based on outdated data, hindered housing supply.

Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch questioned the London target cut, warning it could undermine the goal of 1.5 million new homes. Rayner defended the changes, stating they provide stability and realistic ambition.