Tinkering will not fix a broken planning system
19 December 2023
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Energy and Environment
18 December 2023
Economics
Matthew Lesh interviewed by Estonian public broadcaster
20 December 2023
Uncategorized
20 January 2026
Commenting on Michael Gove’s speech outlining the new National Planning Policy Framework, Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy and Communications at the free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:
“Tougher action on blocker councils, expediting infrastructure upgrades and building 150,000 new homes around Cambridge are welcome and important steps. But today’s announcements largely tinker around the margins rather than fix a broken system.
“Local objections will still carry disproportionate weight in the planning process. Letting councils with green belts or concerns about local character off the hook will reduce house building. The ‘renters reform,’ along with continued environmental and building red tape, reduces development and pushes up house prices and rent.
“Britain’s broken planning system is a straightjacket on our prosperity. Without an honest, fundamental reassessment, the promise of home ownership will continue becoming more remote for more people.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
“Tougher action on blocker councils, expediting infrastructure upgrades and building 150,000 new homes around Cambridge are welcome and important steps. But today’s announcements largely tinker around the margins rather than fix a broken system.
“Local objections will still carry disproportionate weight in the planning process. Letting councils with green belts or concerns about local character off the hook will reduce house building. The ‘renters reform,’ along with continued environmental and building red tape, reduces development and pushes up house prices and rent.
“Britain’s broken planning system is a straightjacket on our prosperity. Without an honest, fundamental reassessment, the promise of home ownership will continue becoming more remote for more people.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520
The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.
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