The Conservative party’s housing strategy has come under fire from housing charities. The party plans to scrap regional housing targets and give local authorities greater discretion over the number and quality of homes built in their areas. Launching the strategy John Hayes said: “Our proposals will give local people, not unelected regional quangos, a greater say on new development.” The homelessness charity Shelter described the strategy as “playing into the hands of the ‘not in my back yard lobby’.” The housing minister Keith Hill claimed the Conservatives would cut housing funding by £1 billion. “Cuts on this scale would have a devastating effect; it would mean fewer homes, less affordable housing and increased homelessness,” he said.