Summary of Key Events and Discussions

1. Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

• Karen Alcock, Managing Director of Kanda Consulting, opened the event by introducing herself and outlining her role in supporting the gathering. She welcomed Lord Wajid Khan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). Lord Khan was to deliver the keynote speech, followed by a Q&A session.

2. Lord Wajid Khan's Speech: Acknowledging the Housing Crisis and Government’s Approach

• Lord Wajid Khan acknowledged the significance of the housing crisis and emphasized the government's commitment to building 1.5 million new homes. He highlighted the efforts by the Land, Planning, and Development Federation (LPDF) and emphasized the government's focus on tackling housing issues through regional investments and strategic partnerships. He mentioned the ongoing National Planning Policy Framework consultation and his personal efforts regarding faith resettlement communities.

3. Collaboration with Local Authorities and the Emphasis on Devolution

• Lord Khan stressed the importance of local authorities working collaboratively with the private sector, including housebuilders and investors. He rejected the notion of a top-down approach from Westminster, instead focusing on the need for devolution and equal partnerships to ensure housing targets are met.

4. Labour's Pro-Business Stance and Focus on Housing Aspirations

• In his address, Lord Khan reinforced Labour's pro-business stance and stressed the need for sustainable economic growth alongside building affordable housing. He quoted his mother, saying the goal was to ensure that the next generation has better opportunities, which the housing crisis currently undermines.

5. Q&A Session: Industry Perspectives

• David Brocklebank, Executive Managing Director of Wates Developments Group, commended the government's approach to planning and housing. He expressed optimism in the positive changes but raised concerns regarding local authorities failing to create robust housing plans.
• Murad Qureshi, British Labour and Co-operative Party politician and former Member of the London Assembly, proposed reinstating the Housing Corporation, citing its past success in delivering affordable housing. He asked whether the government would consider this proposal.
• Annie Gingell, Associate Director of Tetlow King Planning, raised concerns about the lack of interest in Section 106 affordable homes and sought clarity on how the government plans to meet its 50% social rent target.

6. Lord Khan’s Responses

• Lord Khan reiterated that local authorities play a pivotal role in delivering housing targets, and there needs to be a cultural shift in planning processes to increase efficiency.
• In response to Murad Qureshi, he acknowledged the past success of the Housing Corporation and indicated that the idea would be considered as part of broader housing initiatives.
• He also emphasized the importance of partnerships and urged industry stakeholders to maintain open lines of communication with the government.

7. Nik Johnson’s Remarks: A Regional Perspective

• Nik Johnson, Metro Mayor for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, focused on the importance of combined authorities in delivering housing targets. He highlighted the ambition of his region, especially in Cambridge, and the potential of devolution to drive housing development and investment in the North.

8. Rupa Huq’s Perspective: Local Housing Challenges

• Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, underscored the local housing challenges in her affluent constituency, including overcrowding and affordability issues. She emphasized the need for realistic and ambitious housing solutions to address these problems effectively.