Limited local government capacity to support housebuilding is hindering progress on hitting the government’s target of building 300,000 homes annually, the head of Homes England’s new support centre for councils has told LGC.
Deborah Ward
Deborah Ward, director of Homes England’s local government capacity centre, acknowledged that sufficient progress on the goal of 300,000 homes a year by 2024 is “not happening at the moment”.
She said that many councils “have real limitations” around housebuilding – “in terms of land assets that they might have, in terms of what their housing needs might be” and in areas like land value and developer confidence.
Queen’s speech pledges planning reform but no details on social care
The Queen’s speech today revealed the government is still intent on overhauling the planning sector this parliament and said “proposals on social care reform will be brought forward” in 2021, while providing few details on these.
Local government representatives have expressed disappointment that more specific social care plans were not announced and warned that the proposals lack clarity in other areas.
Notes published alongside the speech say the expected health and care bill will “include provisions to improve the oversight of how social care is commissioned and delivered”, as well as “facilitating greater integration” through Integrated Care Systems.
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South Tyneside MBC has appointed Birmingham City Council’s assistant chief executive to its top officer post.
Jonathan Tew, whose Birmingham role sees him lead on public health, community safety, policy development, performance and insight, is expected to join the north-eastern council in the late summer, subject to full council approval next month.
Mr Swales had gone on leave the previous month after then leader Iain Malcolm (Lab) was put under external investigation following bullying accusations by two officers. Cllr Malcolm subsequently stood down in November.
Mr Tew has previously worked as associate director of KPMG’s public sector and health consulting practice, and held local government roles at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Blackburn with Darwen BC and Durham CC.