Labour Party Conference 2024: change begins

24 Sep 24

The conference was heavily focused on partnerships – between local and central government, and crucially, with the private sector. It was universally agreed that to be in with a chance of meeting the housing targets, cooperation will be key, and indeed housebuilders joined a number of discussions to strengthen these partnerships.

This year’s Labour Party Conference felt different – more serious and definitely more focused. As the new Government settles in, we saw housing take centre stage with numerous housing-themed fringe sessions and Labour YIMBY events packed to the rafters. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, alongside Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, were keen to show they mean business when it comes to tackling the housing crisis, with Rayner’s key message: “Change begins now.”

Rayner outlined plans to improve Britain’s housing market, while Reeves was keen to strike a note of optimism, highlighting the importance of economic stability and getting Britain “building again.” There was much discussion throughout the conference about housing completions hitting record lows and council waiting lists soaring – and with councils are spending millions on temporary accommodation, and something has to change.

The Government’s housing plan intends to deliver that change. Rayner announced a new planning framework, designed to unlock development and ensure affordable homes are built. There was also a strong focus on renters’ rights, with the introduction of the Renters’ Bill to end no-fault evictions, and she confirmed plans to accelerate the removal of unsafe cladding.

Rayner also unveiled plans for devolution, giving more power to local authorities and mayors, which will allow them to take control of housebuilding and planning in their regions. With a mix of parties in control across the country and the next round of elections due in May 2025, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

On Sunday, the Government launched the Brownfield Passports Call for Evidence, aiming to bring vacant and underused land back into productive use, with input from local communities. There’s still a lot to discuss, especially when it comes to planning permissions, but it could have legs.

The Prime Minister ended the conference with a clear narrative on national renewal and the importance of planning reform – and the message that “We are all in it together.”

With the budget looming in late October, we will be keen to see what the next stage of difficult decisions will look like alongside the opportunities on offer, and what it all means for the property industry.