Government to face tough questions over whether housing market is ‘fit for purpose’

An enquiry into the problems facing the UK housing market has been launched by a newly-created parliamentary committee.

It is to probe several key issues facing home buyers, agents and landlords including whether the government’s oft-state aim to build 300,000 homes a year is realistic and accurate reflects demand.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee will focus on the supply of new homes but look at the wider challenges of providing homes in the home buying, social and rental sectors.

It was also examine the government’s proposed planning reforms and their role in helping build more new homes, how properties can be constructed to higher levels of design and quality, and whether the construction industry has the skills to achieve that.

3.7 million

Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Chair of the Built Environment Committee (pictured), says: “The number of households in England is projected to rise by 3.7 million over the next 20 years.

“This increase will be unsustainable and damaging to society unless the corresponding need is met. Meeting this demand will be a question of numbers, but also of balancing where and what kind of buildings people want to live in.

“Our inquiry will focus on what shapes the type of housing needed in the UK as well as a range of challenges to meeting that demand. We will then make our recommendations to Government.

“To inform our work we want to hear from as broad a range of people as possible. If you have a view on housing, look at our call for evidence and let us know what you think.”

The deadline for the submission of written evidence is 10 September 2020. Those wishing to participate should visit the committee’s webpage. 

Read more about the housing market.