The New Social Covenant Unit exists to tackle old problems in new ways.
This week, we launched a paper that proposes a new way to navigate the housebuilding impasse. We urgently need more homes, but many fear that the cost of development is too high - damaging to the countryside and to the fabric of our communities.
However, as John Penrose MP said in his introduction:
We believe this is a false dichotomy. We can and should have it both ways: building the homes we need and enhancing pride in places that people cherish.
We can and should have our cake and eat it. How? Through community-powered planning.
‘Taking back control of our streets’, co-produced with Create Streets and Locality, recommends supporting the creative and innovative instincts of local people to decide the right homes for the right places. You can read the paper here.
Richard Bacon MP said:
Britain needs more good housing at prices that ordinary people on normal incomes can afford. One way we can boost this supply is by unleashing the considerable potential of self-build, currently held back by over-complicated planning rules. Self-commissioned houses are almost invariably better built, greener and cost less to run - they are also warmly welcomed in their communities. By giving local people more control over the rules in their own area, we can bring back this British tradition, now popular and proven across the world.
Miriam Cates MP said:
We need to build more homes where people want to live. Too many Brits are forced to move far from their family and community to get on the housing ladder. However, housebuilding must also enhance places. This proposal offers a way to build and build beautiful by retaining local control and harnessing community power.