Barratt forms large-scale housing JV with Homes England and Lloyds

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has outlined her plan to get thousands of homes built. But will it work? Plus: Leeds’ office market has reason for optimism – and so does the wider shed scene.

The New Homes Accelerator will unblock stalled housing sites by cutting red tape and streamlining bureaucracy – unleashing their potential for up to 300,000 homes.

Charged with making a shortlist of ideal locations for these new communities within a year, the taskforce is set to have its first meeting in September.

The new government’s ambition was welcomed, but the built environment is ready for a little less conversation and a little more action, please. That was the overruling sentiment from built environment professionals from across the North.

Leaders in politics and business from across the region will gather to discuss and debate the future of the North during this thought-provoking and interactive evening event starting at 6pm on 5 November.

Describing the current system as a “graveyard of economic ambition”, the chancellor said planning reform was at the centre of Labour’s strategy going forward.

Angela Rayner has been appointed the secretary of state for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, while Matthew Pennycook is the new housing minister.

Better public transport and expanded devolution were among the asks of the new Prime Minister in a message from Kim McGuinness, North East mayor, to Keir Starmer on Monday.

After a tumultuous few years, the property and development industry is calling on Labour to provide the stability it has long-craved, thaw the “frozen” market, and make good on its pledge to breathe new life into the housing sector.