Plans have been
announced by the Government during the Queen's Speech to help home-buyers and
renters, devolve power and funding to communities and improve building safety.
The government has
outlined plans to which will ensure any new housing is accompanied by essential
infrastructure. A white paper will also be published on reforming the planning
system to ensure it works better for the public and small builders.
In the biggest
change to building safety laws for 40 years, the government will take forward
the recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building
regulations and fire safety through a new Building Safety Bill.
Legislation will:
- provide clearer
accountability for, and stronger duties on, those responsible for the
safety of high-rise buildings throughout design, construction and
occupation
- give residents a stronger
voice in the system, ensuring their concerns are not ignored and they
fully understand how they can contribute to maintaining safety in their
buildings
- strengthen enforcement and
sanctions to deter non-compliance with the new regime in order to hold the
right people to account
In addition to these
major reforms, the government will take forward swift action to introduce
legislation to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Public
Inquiry Phase 1 Report through changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order 2005, as soon as possible.
Over the coming
weeks and months, ministers will work with residents, building owners and
others to ensure legislation delivers the fundamental changes needed so that
all people – regardless of where they live – feel safe in their homes.
New legislation will
also be brought forward to require developers of new build homes to belong to a
New Home Ombudsman.
New proposals to
unleash the potential of all regions across England will be brought forward in
a devolution white paper in the coming months – devolving power and funding to
people and places so that every part of the country can shape its own destiny.
The English
devolution white paper will be at the heart of the government’s commitment to
levelling up every city, town and county across the country.
Already 37% of
residents in England, and almost 50% in the North, are now served by city
region mayors with powers and money to prioritise local issues, drive
significant infrastructure projects and act as a local champion for the area.
The white paper will
set the strategy for expanding the benefits of devolution across England, as
well as putting more trust in local people to choose what is best for their
communities and lead the way on our domestic agenda.
Ministers have also
confirmed plans to bring forward new and revitalised strategies for the
Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine, as well as the UK Shared Prosperity
Fund.
Under new plans,
millions of renters will benefit from a new lifetime deposit scheme, which will
see their hard-earned deposit move with them from property to property – giving
tenants more control over their lives and keeping more of their cash in their
pocket.
The government has
also announced plans which will make owning a home more affordable. This
includes the new First Home scheme making homes available at a discount for
local first-time buyers.
Councils will be
able to use housing developers’ contributions to discount homes by 30% for
people who cannot otherwise afford to buy in their area. The Affordable Homes
Programme will also be renewed, building more homes for rent and delivering a
new shared ownership offer.
