The prime minister’s decision to prioritise housing supply is a “game changer” that will significantly up the pace of delivery, according to the chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency.
Speaking after yesterday’s housing summit at Number 10, Nick Walkley told a BPF breakfast at MIPIM UK this morning that capitalising on the shift required a change of thinking in the public sector. “There is an opportunity for the public sector to be seen as a significant co-investor alongside the private sector in delivery.”
Countryside Properties CFO Rebecca Worthington and Legal & General Investment Management’s head of real assets Bill Hughes called for greater pace and leadership in decision making.
“We need to step away from conflict that exists and show real leadership,” said Worthington, who also acknowledged house builders needed to think differently.
Calling on government to offer guarantees for developers in certain circumstances and be more aggressive in acquiring land to unlock development, Hughes said: “Everyone needs to think about what can they do to double the speed of decision making.”
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