The House of Commons Library has produced a useful briefing on Permitted Development Rights which were introduced as a means of speeding up production of homes by dispensing with the usual planning rules. The government said PDRs can help speed up housing delivery by reducing the “bureaucratic burdens” of the planning system. It said PDRs can help … Continue reading Permitted Development Rights
Author: lcfch
Politicians “must dare to be bold” – the self-made economic straitjacket for a Labour government, should be abandoned
Our Open Letter on resolving the local government and housing crises quoted a Guardian editorial which said that the next government would either “have to repudiate Jeremy Hunt's cuts or enact them”. A similar point has been made by Jim Pickard and Sam Fleming in the Financial Times (‘Hemmed in’: Labour stores up trouble with … Continue reading Politicians “must dare to be bold” – the self-made economic straitjacket for a Labour government, should be abandoned
Fire Fighters’ Manifesto – investment not cuts
The FBU has produced a Manifesto for the forthcoming General Election. The Firefighters' Manifesto | Fire Brigades Union (fbu.org.uk) Although it is directed at all Parties, with Labour likely to go into government, the FBU will be fighting for its members interests and for an improved fire service. It is affiliated to the Party. The … Continue reading Fire Fighters’ Manifesto – investment not cuts
Decarbonising housing is not an optional extra
Media release Labour Campaign for Council Housing Labour's Green Prosperity Plan After weeks of will they won't they, and contradictory statements from different members of the shadow cabinet, Labour's Green Prosperity Plan has been cut from £28 billion to £15 billion, of which only £5 billion is in addition to Tory spending plans. The “fiscal … Continue reading Decarbonising housing is not an optional extra
Resolving the local government and housing crises: An Open Letter to the Labour Leadership
At our meeting in December to discuss the local government and housing crises it was agreed that we would produce an Open Letter to the Labour leadership on action necessary to prevent the collapse of local authorities and to begin to resolve the housing crisis. With a general election not far away and local government … Continue reading Resolving the local government and housing crises: An Open Letter to the Labour Leadership
The top 10 website reads of 2023
Here are the top 10 most read articles on our website in 2023. If you missed any of them click on the links. 1. The contradictions of Labour's housing policy. Martin Wicks examined the contradictions of Labour's housing policy as expressed at Labour's conference. 2. Labour Housing Group opposes campaign to end RTB. The Labour … Continue reading The top 10 website reads of 2023
Now is the time for Labour to commit to transformative housing policies
Fraser McGuire, a member of the Young Labour national committee, writes on what a Labour government ought to do to address the housing crisis. "By the time I turn 21, I will have spent nearly £20,000 on rent, which is almost the same amount I have made working in total since I was 16- and … Continue reading Now is the time for Labour to commit to transformative housing policies
APPG inquiry: “The need for investment in existing and new council housing.”
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Council Housing has launched an inquiry into the need for investment in existing and new council homes. The APPG said “We are inviting all who live and work in council housing (or wish they did), and representatives including councillors, trade unions, tenants and housing campaigns to give us your … Continue reading APPG inquiry: “The need for investment in existing and new council housing.”
Labour’s choice: “repudiate Hunt’s disastrous cuts or enact them”
The Autumn statement offers austerity to local government and nothing for council housing “...the Labour Party has largely retreated to a similar pro-market and low-tax agenda as the Conservatives but with an emphasis on equality of opportunity and choice. This is a mistake which is amplified by the historic chance offered by the Tories poor … Continue reading Labour’s choice: “repudiate Hunt’s disastrous cuts or enact them”
Temporary accommodation crisis – Hastings
Hastings council has warned that the spiralling cost of temporary accommodation has placed it at risk of issuing a section 114 notice, which is a declaration that it will not be able to balance its budget. Temporary housing costs increased from £730,000 in 2019 to £4.5m in 2023. That now accounts for a quarter of … Continue reading Temporary accommodation crisis – Hastings
Labour Campaign for Council Housing 