Rayner to set out Labour’s plan for new towns

Angela Rayner is preparing to set out Labour’s plans for new towns, as part of its aim to build 1.5m homes. Rayner is expected to affirm the party’s support for private developers creating affordable and high-quality housing, in a speech at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds today. She will also emphasise the importance of transport links and other infrastructure in plans for new communities.   Ahead of the speech, the British Property Federation voiced its support for Rayner’s pledge. Melanie Leech, chief executive of the BPF, said: “The country desperately needs new homes of all tenures, and new towns are one of many tools that we have to deploy simultaneously to tackle the housing crisis. “This commitment from Labour to build at scale while protecting the important ideals of high-quality design and social and environmental sustainability is welcome. They are also right to focus on the importance of ensuring that critical infrastructure is in place – including the warehousing and logistics facilities that support modern life. “Whoever wins the next election will have to not just think big but be bold in their actions too – and this is an encouraging sign of that ambition.” Photo by Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock