BPF's comments on Rachel Reeves' first major speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer

Following Rachel Reeves' first major speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer, our Chief Executive Melanie Leech CBE commented:

'Property is a long-term industry with billions of pounds wanting to invest across the UK. The Chancellor's early commitment to making the UK one of the most stable places for investment and to driving growth is critical to unlocking that investment.

It's very positive to see the new Government hit the ground running on planning reform. Housebuilding targets are a clear statement of intent and will help accelerate delivery - we need to build more homes of all tenure and type and we urge the Government also to consider bold targets for Build-to-Rent and affordable housing specifically. Housebuilding targets need to be supported with extra capacity in the planning system, so it's good to see Labour also restate their commitment to get more planners in.

The Government must also make sure the system supports employment uses as well as homes so that we create sustainable communities. The move to streamline infrastructure delivery is welcome and should include the logistics facilities that are vital for the movement of goods and are chronically undersupplied in key parts of the country.

The Government is right to look at all options to drive development for growth and the delivery of homes - moves to fast-track brownfield development are critical to regeneration across the country and a review of the green belt will help to identify those sites which can be brought into use for homes whilst continuing to protect the green spaces which we all enjoy.'