The newly elected Labour government’s inaugural King’s speech has been well-received by senior figures in the housing sector, with many commending the government’s “clear commitment” to housing evidenced in the legislative priorities it outlined. 

Nonetheless, housing leaders have warned that while planning reforms are key to building 1.5 million new homes, adequate funding is needed. Legal experts have also stressed the need for Labour to move at pace, raising the question as to how long the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will take to pass.

A senior figure at an older people’s housing provider has emphasised the need to carefully consider the type of homes built, highlighting the absence of local authority targets for affordable extra care accommodation.