HBF launches housing manifesto for incoming metro mayors

Ahead of the local elections on Thursday (May 1st), the Home Builders Federation is calling on the four incoming metro mayors to take “bold and immediate action to confront the ongoing housing crisis”.

Mayoral elections are being held in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Hull and East Yorkshire, Greater Lincolnshire, and the West of England. HBF says that the elections present a pivotal moment for new mayors to harness the powers granted by the English Devolution Bill and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as part of the government’s devolution agenda. “These powers have the potential to unlock much-needed housing supply, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for local residents,” it says.

HBF adds that the industry faces a series of challenges including planning delays and a lack of section 106 bids. It has released a Mayor Manifesto for the incoming combined authority mayors that outlines a series of strategic recommendations. The manifesto emphasises the importance of taking immediate action to address housing needs and outlines how mayors can leverage their new powers to drive housing delivery and regional development.

Neil Jefferson, HBF chief executive, said: “The upcoming local elections are a crucial turning point for tackling …