Weekly planning news

Government Announces £3 Billion for Housebuilding Schemes

On 27th November, Matthey Pennycook announced there will be £3 billion worth of support available for housebuilders. The money will be provided through accessible loans from banks, allowing SME housebuilders and the build-to-rent sector “to get Britain building again.” 

The reduction of risk from loans aims to encourage building and increase the housing supply, ultimately pushing towards government’s aim of building 1.5 million homes over the next 5 years. 

Funding is available through two different channels. The ENABLE build scheme has received an uplift in funding, aimed at SME housebuilders, the scheme is expected to “support the delivery of over 10,000 new homes”. 

Build-to-Rent developers will see the Private Rented Sector Guarantee scheme reopen¹ with almost £2 billion of funding available. The scheme was originally open between 2015-2018, aimed at reducing borrowing costs and increase the supply of new homes. 

Combined, government expects the two schemes to provide over 20,000 new homes. 

You can view the full press release and more details around each scheme on the government website.² 

Are you looking for development sites? Planning Portal’s Land Finding services provide early identification of high-potential sites using proprietary data and predictive models. We can help you secure opportunities that align with your goals – and unlike land agents, we operate on a non-competitive basis, ensuring your interests remain protected. Visit our website to find out more.³ 

Housebuilding Numbers Down Against Last Year

Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reveals a second consecutive year of decline in new home completions, with 6% fewer homes delivered in 2023-2024 compared to the previous year, as reported by Planning Resource⁴. This continues a downward trend following a similar decrease in 2022. 

Speaking to Planning Resource, Neil Jefferson of the Home Builders’ Federation (HBF) attributed the slowdown to inefficiencies within local authorities and planning delays, citing the ‘160,000’ homes stalled due to nutrient neutrality regulations as a key factor. 

The shortfall is particularly striking against the backdrop of the government’s ambitious housebuilding targets and highlights the complex issues affecting housing delivery. According to the inaugural Market Index Report,⁵ over one million homes with planning permission remain unbuilt, indicating significant challenges both before and after planning approval. 

One major contributor to the delay in housing delivery is the difficulty in identifying suitable, available sites. Planning Portal is working to address this by building a trusted network to connect land buyers and sellers more effectively. To find out more, register your interest.⁶ 

The Older People’s Housing Taskforce Publish Recommendations For Older Adults

The Older People’s Housing Taskforce, established in May 2023, has published its final report, presenting a detailed examination of the housing needs of England’s ageing population. 

Created to enhance choice, quality, and security for older adults, the taskforce identified several key areas requiring attention to improve housing options and overall wellbeing. 

The report found that independence is a top priority for older adults. To support this, housing must be accessible, affordable, and adaptable, accommodating changing needs over time. This includes designing new homes and adapting existing properties to enable long-term independent living. A broader range of housing solutions is also essential, with the taskforce advocating for more purpose-built housing, co-housing initiatives, and adapted mainstream homes to meet diverse preferences and encourage community engagement. 

The findings highlight the urgent need for increased investment in housing tailored to older adults, particularly for lower- to middle-income groups. The report also underscores the importance of creating inclusive, age-friendly communities that foster social connections and support networks. 

To address these challenges, the taskforce proposed nine targeted recommendations for government, local authorities, and private industry. These include streamlining housing development and integrating solutions into wider community planning. A central recommendation is the creation of a government-backed delivery body to coordinate efforts and ensure long-term success. 

The full report is available on the UK Government website here.⁷

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/3-billion-housebuilding-schemes-to-unlock-homes-and-boost-growth
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/3-billion-housebuilding-schemes-to-unlock-homes-and-boost-growth
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/commercial-opportunities/land-finding
4. https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1898168/housing-completion-figures-decline-again-new-builds-dip-below-200000
5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/professional-portal/planning-portal-application-index
6. https://assets-eur.mkt.dynamics.com.mcas.ms/eeb0890e-65a6-4abb-8f8a-4c85d5b449ae/digitalassets/standaloneforms/8d32e7ee-e7ab-ef11-b8e8-6045bd8e22ae#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=65acfa31-30e2-4752-88a2-d84423b01acb&msdynmkt_prefill=mktprff3ad607737c34d1fb9a14339d435375feoprf
7. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-older-peoples-housing-taskforce-report