Rayner Emphasizes Councils’ Obligation to Meet Housing Targets

Angela Rayner has asserted the mandatory nature of the government’s housing targets for councils, despite local authorities describing them as unattainable. A BBC inquiry revealed that most councils expressed apprehension regarding the government’s principal initiative to construct 1.5 million new residences in England within the upcoming five years, as part of a recent consultation. The housing secretary informed the BBC’s Politics Live programme that while the government was attentive to councils’ feedback, the targets remained compulsory. She further stated: “We’ve got a housing crisis in this country and therefore I make no apologies for the mandate that we were given to deliver the homes that people desperately need.” While numerous councils acknowledge the necessity for additional new homes, they harbor doubts about the realism or attainability of the targets assigned to each of the 317 authorities across England. Their apprehension stems from the belief that the algorithm employed to determine these targets has failed to consider pressures on local infrastructure, scarcity of land, and insufficient capacity within both the planning system and the construction sector. These concerns are echoed by authorities from the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat parties, based on a BBC analysis of 90% of the consultation submissions. When questioned about whether the government intended to compel councils to achieve these targets, Rayner responded: “We are saying that they’re mandatory targets…” She continued: “So we’re telling [councils], this is what we expect, and we’ll work with them to deliver it.” She cited the £500m in additional funding for new affordable homes, unveiled in the Budget, as an illustration of the government’s commitment to providing support. Rayner was also questioned regarding the resignation of Louise Haigh from her position as transport secretary, following revelations that Haigh had pleaded guilty to a fraud offence ten years prior. When pressed on the fairness of Haigh’s treatment, Rayner stated her respect for her colleague’s choice to resign and characterized her as “an outstanding member of our cabinet.” In response to an inquiry about whether Haigh ought to accept the £17,000 loss-of-office payment she is eligible for if not appointed to a new position within three weeks, Rayner remarked, “that’s a decision for her.” Nevertheless, she appended that if the payment adhered to the regulations, “then I don’t see why she shouldn’t.” The interview with Rayner formed part of the BBC’s 100 Women project. The housing secretary, who also serves as deputy prime minister, is included on this year’s compilation of influential and inspiring women globally, alongside Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch, recognized as the first black woman to lead a significant UK political party, has previously expressed a preference for public attention to be directed towards political matters rather than her ethnicity or sex. When asked if Badenoch was correct and if it was not a “big deal,” Rayner responded: “Of course it’s a big deal because I do think that women face barriers, and I think women of colour face barriers as well.” She further commented, however, that “it doesn’t also detract from the skills that a person has.” She elaborated: “I often get described as left school at 16 without any qualifications, and there’s so much more to me than being a woman or being working class.” Inquired about her ability to achieve her current accomplishments as a young person today amidst struggling public services, stagnant wages, and cost-of-living pressures, Rayner conceded it would represent “a challenge” and that “you have to have a bit of luck.” Nevertheless, she affirmed the government’s intention to invest in state education “so that people have those opportunities that I had.” Rayner additionally stated that in her capacity as deputy prime minister, she felt compelled to do herself justice. “I don’t want to let people down,” she remarked. “I’ve always had that fear. That’s what spurs me on.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Further information on our approach to external linking is available.