The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answers on 16th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of labour shortages, planning and regulatory rules, and any viability challenges, on the delivery of their target to build 1.5 million homes.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab, DHCLG): The government is committed to a whole system approach to unlock housing growth.
We have already committed £625 million for construction skills, reformed the planning system through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and updated National Planning Policy Framework, and unlocked over 125,000 homes through our New Homes Accelerator.
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that houses built as part of their 1.5 million homes target are high quality, in an appropriate location, and provided with essential infrastructure, including GP surgeries, schools and community centres.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage: This government is committed to delivering 1.5 million new safe and decent homes this Parliament. In supporting that aim, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on changes to the NPPF. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here(opens in a new tab), included draft policies which support sustainable patterns of development and promote the creation of healthy and inclusive places and support the provision of appropriate public services. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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