Labour housing announcements expected within two weeks if party wins power

At least three announcements on housing are reportedly being lined up within the first fortnight if, as the polls suggest, Labour wins a significant majority in the general election. 

Plans for a recruitment push to employ 300 extra planning officers to speed up applications are also expected. 

And a “first dibs” scheme, prioritising new homes for local residents to stop properties being sold to overseas investors, could also be announced in the early days of a Labour government, it was reported. 

In a joint interview with the Sunday Times, Sir Keir and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, laid out their early plans if the party regains power after 14 years in opposition. 

On the green belt plans, Ms Reeves reportedly said: “We all know that there is building on greenfield [sites] today, but it’s chaotic. 

“We also know there are different types of green belt land. Just because something’s designated ‘green belt’ does not mean it’s green.”

Labour has previously talked of building on the so-called ‘grey belt’, which is “ugly” green belt land such as disused car parks.

In April, the party unveiled its ‘golden rules’ for building on the grey belt, which includes a stipulation that a site must target 50 per cent affordable housing.

With its aim to build 1.5 million homes over what is expected to be a five-year parliamentary term, Labour has the same 300,000 homes a year target as the Conservatives, which has not been achieved. 

On this point, Sir Keir said: “It’s more likely, I think we’ll ramp up over the parliament. Therefore, towards the end of that, we’ll be doing more than the 300,000 [a year].”

Among its other pledges, Labour has vowed to deliver “the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”.

This would be done through supporting social landlords to “build their capacity”, changes to the Affordable Homes Programme, and reviewing Right to Buy mechanisms to protect existing stock, the party has said. 

A new generation of new towns are also being promised, with proposed sites expected to be chosen by the end of the year.