Latest news with #MsRayner
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Angela Rayner faces Labour backbench rebellion over her plans to build 1.5million new homes in England by 2029
could face a backbench rebellion from Labour MPs over the party's drive to build 1.5 million homes in England by 2029. The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary is fronting the Government's 'radical' overhaul of the planning system, which aims to revive housing targets for local councils and 'get Britain building again'. Its plans would require 370,000 homes to be built each year, which industry leaders claim there is 'little chance' of reaching as figures show the party is already falling short of its target by 170,000. And now, in the latest a blow to Ms Rayner's housebuilding goals, one Labour MP has threatened to trigger civil war over his demands to find a 'progressive alternative' to parts of her proposals. Labour 's Chris Hinchliff has proposed a suite of changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill ahead of its debate in Parliament on Monday. The North East Hertfordshire MP has suggested arming town halls with the power to block developers' housebuilding plans, if they have failed to finish their previous projects. He has also suggested housebuilding objectors should be able to appeal against green-lit large developments, if they are not on sites which a council has set aside for building. Mr Hinchliff has claimed he does not 'want to rebel' but said he would be prepared to trigger a vote over his proposals. He added his ambition was for 'a progressive alternative to our planning system and the developer-led profit-motivated model that we have at the moment'. Mr Hinchliff said: 'Frankly, to deliver the genuinely affordable housing that we need for communities like those I represent, we just have to smash that model. 'So, what I'm setting out is a set of proposals that would focus on delivering the genuinely affordable homes that we need, empowering local communities and councils to have a driving say over what happens in the local area, and also securing genuine protection for the environment going forwards.' Mr Hinchliff warned that the current system results in 'speculative' applications on land which falls outside of councils' local housebuilding strategies, 'putting significant pressure on inadequate local infrastructure'. In his constituency, which lies between London and Cambridge, 'the properties that are being built are not there to meet local need', Mr Hinchliff said, but were instead 'there to be sold for the maximum profit the developer can make'. Asked whether his proposals chimed with the first of Labour's five 'missions' at last year's general election - 'growth' - he replied: 'If we want to have the key workers that our communities need - the nurses, the social care workers, the bus drivers, the posties - they need to have genuinely affordable homes. 'You can't have that thriving economy without the workforce there, but at the moment, the housing that we are delivering is not likely to be affordable for those sorts of roles. 'It's effectively turning the towns into commuter dormitories rather than having thriving local economies, so for me, yes, it is about supporting the local economy.' Mr Hinchliff warned that the 'bottleneck' which slows housebuilding 'is not process, it's profit'. Among the proposed reforms is a power for ministers to decide which schemes should come before councillors, and which should be delegated to local authority staff, so that committees can 'focus their resources on complex or contentious development where local democratic oversight is required'. Natural England will also be able to draft 'environmental delivery plans (EDPs)' and acquire land compulsorily to bolster conservation efforts. Mr Hinchliff has suggested these EDPs must come with a timeline for their implementation, and that developers should improve the conservation status of any environmental features before causing 'damage' - a proposal which has support from at least 43 cross-party MP backers. MPs will spend two days debating the Bill on Monday and Tuesday. Chris Curtis, the Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, warned that some of Mr Hinchliff's proposals 'if enacted, would deepen our housing crisis and push more families into poverty'. He said: 'I won't stand by and watch more children in the country end up struggling in temporary accommodation to appease pressure groups. No Labour MP should. 'It's morally reprehensible to play games with this issue. These amendments should be withdrawn.' The prospect of a backbench rebellion sparks another blow to the Government's housebuilding plans just one day after a report cast doubt on whether it would be able to meet its 2029 target at all. A bleak report by the Home Builders Federation yesterday showed Labour is falling short of its target by 170,000 homes a year. Industry leaders said the data was 'disastrous' and without urgent support from ministers there is 'little chance' of reaching the goal. Just 39,170 homes were given planning permission in England in the first three months of the year – the lowest quarterly figure since records began. That was a 55 per cent drop on the previous quarter and almost 32 per cent lower than a year earlier. The 225,067 units given approval in the 12 months to the end of March was the worst performance in 12 years. The federation said its data 'starkly illustrates the urgent need for Government to address the barriers to housing supply' if they are to get 'anywhere near the much-vaunted' target.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Angela Rayner 'calls for migrant benefits to be slashed' and urges Rachel Reeves to make changes - after Deputy PM challenged Chancellor's economic approach
called for migrant benefits to be slashed and urged Rachel Reeves to make changes, it has been reported, after the Deputy PM challenged the Chancellor's economic approach. Bold proposals, outlined in a leaked memo revealed by The Telegraph, also suggested making it harder for immigrants to receive Universal credit. Ms Rayner even said Labour should raise the fee migrants pay to use the NHS, in policies she and her team claimed were 'contentious' but still 'worthy of consideration'. Under current policies, introduced under the Tories in 2015, foreigners on work visas pay to access healthcare - a fee currently set at £1,035. The 'radical' policies further included limiting access to the state pension. The latest revelations come after Ms Reeves was hit with a triple blow to her authority. The Deputy PM suggested launching the plans in the Spring Statement - and hoping to get them over the line by the Autumn Budget. 'Migrants who have spent five to 10 years in the UK generally receive access to a broad range of welfare entitlements,' a section read, as reported by the broadsheet. 'Indefinite leave to remain in the UK confers access to core welfare entitlements such as Universal Credit, and 10 years of National Insurance contributions confers eligibility for some state pension provision. 'Those who arrived in the UK during the period of very high immigration in the past few years will become eligible for indefinite leave to remain over the course of this Parliament.' On a humiliating day for the Chancellor, alongside Ms Rayner challenging her economic approach Sir Keir Starmer U-turned on winter fuel cash and official figures showed a jump in inflation. The Chancellor was out of the country at a G7 meeting in Canada as the Prime Minister announced a screeching reverse on her hated decision to axe the winter fuel payment for 10 million pensioners. Left-wing Labour MPs rallied behind Ms Rayner's demand, prompting the Tories to claim that the Cabinet was in 'open warfare' over taxes. Kemi Badenoch taunted Sir Keir that his deputy was 'on manoeuvres' and 'calling the shots' on the economy. The third setback for the Chancellor came in the form of official figures showing that inflation jumped to 3.5 per cent last month, despite Ms Reeves's claim she is tackling the cost of living. Her controversial decision to means test winter fuel payments was widely blamed for the party's disastrous performance at the local elections and Runcorn and Helsby by-election on May 1. Sir Keir yesterday pledged to widen eligibility for the payments, which are worth up to £300. But, on a chaotic day, his officials were unable to say who would benefit and when they would receive the cash. During clashes in the Commons, Tory leader Mrs Badenoch told the PM: 'There is open warfare in his Cabinet. The Deputy Prime Minister is clearly calling the shots. 'What have we learned? We are heading for new tax rises. We know that inflation is up. It is just more and more bad news from a Prime Minister who has lost control.' Labour backbenchers welcomed the partial U-turn last night, but warned it would not be enough to quell a rebellion over the benefit cuts next month that are opposed by Ms Rayner. Her intervention is likely to embolden MPs demanding the end of the two-child benefit cap, the scrapping of the Chancellor's fiscal rules and the introduction of some form of wealth tax. Allies denied that the Deputy PM was trying to position herself as a champion of the Left with an eye to a future leadership bid. But one said she was sick of defending controversial cuts, adding: 'She's had to eat a lot of s***'. Former frontbencher Andy McDonald said a lot of his colleagues 'are concerned that the Chancellor's fiscal rules and spending cut proposals hit those on lower incomes'. He said: 'Proposals to increase tax revenue from the wealthy would make tax fairer and support public services.' Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour MP for Poole, told the BBC the proposals to increase taxes were 'absolutely' among things the Government should be considering. And Jon Trickett said the winter fuel cuts were 'a major error' and 'ought to be reversed in total now'. Ms Rayner wrote to the Chancellor in March, ahead of the Spring Statement, proposing eight tax increases, The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday. They included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, changes to dividend taxes, a raid on the million people who pay the additional rate of income tax and a higher corporation tax level for banks. Last night it emerged that Ms Rayner also urged Ms Reeves to consider making it harder for immigrants to access the state pension and benefits. The timing of the leak has also raised eyebrows, coming just a few weeks before Ms Reeves announces real terms cuts in spending for several government departments – including Ms Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Environment Secretary Steve Reed yesterday insisted the Cabinet were 'united' on the economy. Asked whether she agreed with Ms Rayner that rather than slash benefits she should hike taxes on high earners and savers, Ms Kendall told reporters: 'The entire Cabinet backs Rachel's economic strategy to grow the economy, drive up living standards, increase jobs. We actually have raised taxes on some of the richest in this country.' Ms Kendall insisted benefits cuts were essential, regardless of the strains on the public finances. She is planning a £5billion package of cuts, which will make it harder to claim disability payments. It will be voted on in the Commons next month and as many as 170 Labour MPs could rebel. In a speech yesterday, Ms Kendall insisted she was listening to her colleagues' concerns, but said: 'Whatever the fiscal position that the Government faces, the system as a whole needs to change. We are an older, sicker nation – we have more people with disabilities and health conditions. 'I don't think the welfare state in its broadest sense is meeting that challenge.' She added: 'I'm not doing this to be tough, I'm doing this because I believe there is a better way to transform people's lives.' A source close to the Chancellor said last night: 'Under this Chancellor we have secured the highest growth of any major economy since the start of the year, four interest cuts helping millions of homeowners, secured three trade deals and given millions of people a pay rise.'
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Let us Ray!… Deputy PM meets Pope Leo XIV at mass in Rome following new pontiff's inauguration
met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome yesterday following the new pontiff's inauguration. The Deputy Prime Minister was among attendees at a mass in the Vatican as the new pontiff marked the official start of his papacy. Ms Rayner said she was 'humbled' to represent the UK at the ceremony, at which she was joined by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Other politicians in attendance included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were also at the mass, as was the Duke of Edinburgh, who represented the King. Ms Rayner, Mr Lammy, Mr Vance and Mr Carney later met for talks on Ukraine, the Middle East and the global economy. After Sunday's ceremony at the Vatican, Ms Rayner sent the Pope her 'congratulations'. She said it was a 'privilege' to attend the ceremony in a message posted on social media. 'This historic moment marks the next chapter in the Catholic Church's journey,' Ms Rayner wrote on X/Twitter. 'It was a privilege to represent the UK and its Catholic community at Mass.' The Deputy PM also described it as an 'honour' to meet with the Pope following his inauguration. Leo, the first ever pontiff from the US, marked the start of his papacy by calling for unity within the church and for it to act as a 'leaven of harmony for humanity'. Ahead of the ceremony, he took his first popemobile ride through St Peter's Square, waving from the the open-back vehicle to a crowd who cheered 'Viva il Papa'. Leo appeared to choke up when the two symbols of the papacy were placed on him during the mass: the pallium, a woollen stole, over his shoulders and the fisherman's ring on his finger. The pontiff appeared thoughtful as he held a hand over his chest as a part of the Gospel was chanted in Greek during the Mass, later smiling and nodding as he was applauded by the crowds. During his homily, the Pope paid tribute to his predecessors Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII, and called for unity within the church. He said: 'I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. 'In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalises the poorest.' He added: 'The heart of the gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. 'With my predecessor, Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today, if this criterion were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return? 'With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit that is still the church founded on God's love, a sign of humanity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished Leo the 'very best' in a post on X on Sunday evening. Sir Keir wrote: 'The inauguration of the pope is a hugely important moment for Catholics around the world. 'I warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV to the role and wish him the very best as he leads the Catholic Church into this new chapter.' The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, was elected on May 8 after a conclave meeting of 133 cardinals from 70 countries in just over 24 hours. Three UK cardinals took part in conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche, as did Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell who has mainly ministered in the US and been based in Rome for some years. In the days since his election, the 69-year-old has outlined some of his key priorities as Pope, saying the Holy See's three pillars of diplomacy are peace, justice and truth during his first foreign policy address. During his first Sunday blessing earlier this month, Leo called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Leo has also identified artificial intelligence as one of the most critical issues facing humanity, saying it poses challenges to defending human dignity, justice and labour. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as archbishop, meaning he is the first Pope from each country. The new pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe. He follows in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's Pope'.
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
People living near pylons to get money off bills in planning overhaul
People living near power infrastructure could get hundreds of pounds off their bills a year, it has been reported, as part of an overhaul of planning rules. Ministers are also looking to slash the number of official bodies that get a say in planning decisions in a drive to cut red tape. The Times reported that Government plans will set out that households living within half a kilometre of new or upgraded power systems such as pylons could get access to a bill discount scheme equivalent to an annual payment of £250 over 10 years. It comes as officials are set to consult on removing Sport England, the Theatres Trust and the Garden History Society from the list of bodies legally required to be consulted on planning decisions, while the scope of others who get to give input is set to be narrowed. Angela Rayner has said reforms are needed to ensure the system is 'sensible and balanced' as the Government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament. Reforms set out on Monday will also state that councils should only be going to statutory consultees when it is necessary to do so, and decisions should not be delayed beyond the standard 21-day deadline. Officials have also said the scope of other statutory consultees will be narrowed to focus in on heritage, safety and environmental protection. Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rayner said: 'We've put growth at the heart of our plans as a Government, with our Plan for Change milestone to secure 1.5 million homes and unleash Britain's potential to build. 'We need to reform the system to ensure it is sensible and balanced, and does not create unintended delays – putting a hold on people's lives and harming our efforts to build the homes people desperately need. 'New developments must still meet our high expectations to create the homes, facilities and infrastructure that communities need.' One of the bodies set to be removed from the list has rejected the idea that it is an impediment to growth and called for Government to implement a data-led process as part of the consultation. The Theatres Trust has said it is 'confident' it 'pro-actively engages with all local planning authorities and developers and provides our advice in a timely and efficient manner'. In a statement, chief executive officer Joshua McTaggart and chairman Dave Moutrey said they 'welcome the announcement of a review' but called on the Government to 'oversee a data-led and rigorous process that will ensure each of the individual 25 statutory consultees are considered on their own merit'. Rejecting the idea that they are an infringement on growth, they said: 'While housebuilding is a necessary part of the country's growth, we know this Government also understands that communities need to have access to culture, storytelling and educational opportunities. 'Theatres are a key provider of this and theatres are what we endeavour to protect.' Sport England has said the purpose of its remit in the planning system is to protect playing fields and other spaces for physical activity. 'Britain's childhood obesity crisis is rising and low physical activity levels cost our economy £7.4 billion a year, making it vital we protect the places that local communities can be active,' a spokesman said. He said the body 'looks forward' to taking part in the consultation exercise and 'arguing the importance of protecting playing fields and places where local people can keep active'.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ministers could cut the number of official bodies that get a say on planning
Ministers could slash the number of official bodies that get a say in planning decisions in a drive to cut red tape. Officials will consult on removing Sport England, the Theatres Trust and the Garden History Society from the list of 'statutory consultees', while the scope of others who get to give input is set to be narrowed. Angela Rayner has said reforms are needed to ensure the system is 'sensible and balanced' as the Government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament. However, one of the bodies set to be removed from the list has rejected the idea that they are an impediment to growth. Reforms set out on Monday will also state that councils should only be going to statutory consultees when it is necessary to do so, and decisions should not be delayed beyond the standard 21-day deadline. Officials have also said the scope of other statutory consultees will be narrowed to focus in on heritage, safety and environmental protection. Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rayner said: 'We've put growth at the heart of our plans as a Government, with our Plan for Change milestone to secure 1.5 million homes and unleash Britain's potential to build. 'We need to reform the system to ensure it is sensible and balanced, and does not create unintended delays – putting a hold on people's lives and harming our efforts to build the homes people desperately need. 'New developments must still meet our high expectations to create the homes, facilities and infrastructure that communities need.' Officials have said problems encountered by housebuilders and planning authorities when it comes to statutory consultees include them taking too long to offer their advice and submitting holding objections which are then later withdrawn. In the last three years more than 300 applications have been taken to the Secretary of State after disagreements from consultees, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said. Officials have said that statutory consultees have a role in the system to help bring about high-quality development, but they are reforming the system to reduce blockers. The Theatres Trust has said it is 'confident' it 'proactively engages with all local planning authorities and developers and provides our advice in a timely and efficient manner'. In a statement, chief executive officer Joshua McTaggart and chairman Dave Moutrey said they 'welcome the announcement of a review' but called on the Government to 'oversee a data-led and rigorous process that will ensure each of the individual 25 statutory consultees are considered on their own merit'. Rejecting the idea that they are an infringement on growth, they said: 'While housebuilding is a necessary part of the country's growth, we know this Government also understands that communities need to have access to culture, storytelling and educational opportunities. 'Theatres are a key provider of this and theatres are what we endeavour to protect.' Sport England have said the purpose of its remit in the planning system is to protect playing fields and other spaces for physical activity. 'Britain's childhood obesity crisis is rising and low physical activity levels cost our economy £7.4billion a year, making it vital we protect the places that local communities can be active,' a spokesman said. He said it 'looks forward' to taking part in the consultation exercise and 'arguing the importance of protecting playing fields and places where local people can keep active'. The Conservatives said the proposals will 'do nothing to help ordinary Brits on to the housing ladder', pointing to the end of the stamp duty discount. Shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake said: 'We welcome the continuation of work we were doing in Government to speed up the planning system but this is yet more delay and another review.'
