Building Homes and Sustainable Communities: A vital key to unlocking the biggest barriers facing the UK

Building more  homes is not just about putting roofs over people’s heads, it's a key step towards breaking down barriers to opportunity across the UK, it is about fostering inclusive, sustainable communities that enable everyone, regardless of their background, to thrive. 

For many, especially younger people like myself, the dream of homeownership seems increasingly out of reach, especially for those without access to the "bank of mum and dad."  Soaring house prices coupled with stagnant wage growth have created an environment where the average young person's income is no longer sufficient to cover the cost of buying a home. 

“The proportion of first-time buyers receiving such a gift to help with their deposits hit 37% in 2022-23, up from 27% a year earlier. It represents a 40% increase and some 89,000 extra households.  It follows new figures released just days ago revealing that the number of planning approvals for new house-building sites reached a record low in 2023.” - https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/16/over-a-third-of-first-time-buyers-relying-on-bank-of-mum-and-dad 

The current situation which increasingly relies on generational wealth, not only perpetuates  economic disparities but also stifles social mobility. The reality is young people from privileged families are those who can be given financial help for their first home, often in locations that offer the best paid careers. That leaves many young people either priced out of economic growth areas completely or having to rely on the increasingly expensive private rental sector.  

 Labour’s commitment to tackling this issue through comprehensive planning reform is crucial.  Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has described the planning system as “the single greatest obstacle to our economic success.” 

Understanding the critical role that policy reform, particularly in planning and housing finance, plays in this scenario cannot be overstated. We need policies that support the development of affordable housing markets and that ensure equitable access to these resources. By empowering local authorities and communities to make strategic decisions about land use and resource allocation, we can create a more balanced and fair housing market. 

Sustainable community building is about more than just housing. It includes the creation of infrastructure that promotes health, well-being, and economic opportunity. By integrating affordable housing with community gardens, local schools, public transportation, and healthcare facilities, we can ensure that these new homes do more than just meet basic needs—they enhance lives. 

It is hugely important that we increase the number of homes built and do more to create sustainable communities with access to green spaces, essential services, and efficient public transport, thereby reducing reliance on cars and lowering carbon footprints. 

Find out more about Goal 12 Building Homes and Sustainable Communities here: https://www.purpose-coalition.org/purposegoals/goal12