The Tories' failure to build homes is ballot-box poison
The Independent|December 08, 2022
Everyone agrees that something needs to be done about housing in this country. However, when answers are presented, the same people roundly reject the proposed solutions. This week, the planning bill - a contentious bit of policy - had its resolve weakened by a backbench rebellion.
SALMA SHAH
The Tories' failure to build homes is ballot-box poison

The government proposed setting firm house-building targets for councils to meet local need. The number would be calculated using a formula to account for growing populations and local changes, providing much-needed clarity on how to create the infrastructure required for the next generation of voters.

But possibly as many as 100 nimby MPs have decided they’re not interested in progress and would rather rebel against sensible legislation that would help increase the supply of new homes that people are crying out for. So now the government has granted more “flexibility” in terms of how to meet that target – which sounds like code for giving in.

This story is from the December 08, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 08, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
How to run smart and take on marathons the right way
The Independent

How to run smart and take on marathons the right way

Jack Rathborn gets some expert help ahead of a big race day

time-read
3 mins  |
April 19, 2024
West Ham come so close to beating Bundesliga kings
The Independent

West Ham come so close to beating Bundesliga kings

So close, but not this time for West Ham United. As the Hammers’ jovial pre-match anthem goes: then like my dreams they fade and die. Belted out in harmony at the start, so it came to pass at the end. West Ham won this occasion, frankly, with their best performance of the season on this cool April evening, but Bayer Leverkusen won the war.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 19, 2024
Reds' European era under Klopp ends with a whimper
The Independent

Reds' European era under Klopp ends with a whimper

Now the end is near, and Jurgen Klopp didn’t even get to do it his way. There was no last great European comeback, of the type that really made the German’s legacy at Liverpool. The failure to even get close to such a feat against a resolute Atalanta indicates there may not be one last grandstand in the Premier League, either.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 19, 2024
The voters in India's Silicon Valley want one thing: water
The Independent

The voters in India's Silicon Valley want one thing: water

As India begins voting in the national elections during a heatwave, people in the southern city of Bengaluru are focused on a singular issue: the paucity of water.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 19, 2024
Dozens who died in Dublin fire were unlawfully killed
The Independent

Dozens who died in Dublin fire were unlawfully killed

All 48 people who died in a nightclub fire in Dublin 43 years ago were unlawfully killed, a jury concluded yesterday.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 19, 2024
Two dismissed from Trump jury before final 12 chosen
The Independent

Two dismissed from Trump jury before final 12 chosen

Two jurors who were sworn in to Donald Trump's hush-money trial have now been dismissed from the case as the court grappled with the difficulty of finding impartial New Yorkers.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 19, 2024
New sanctions imposed on Iran in wake of Israel attack
The Independent

New sanctions imposed on Iran in wake of Israel attack

UK singles out 13 entities involved in ballistic missile sector

time-read
3 mins  |
April 19, 2024
EU proposes to ditch Brexit travel curbs for young Brits
The Independent

EU proposes to ditch Brexit travel curbs for young Brits

The European Commission has proposed restoring much of the pre-Brexit freedom that allows British travellers aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to travel, work or study for up to four years in the EU. One of the most-mourned European freedoms that the UK chose to remove with Brexit was the opportunity for young Britons to travel, study and work in any EU country without restriction.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 19, 2024
Newsreader suing BBC for age and sex discrimination
The Independent

Newsreader suing BBC for age and sex discrimination

The BBC is being taken to an employment tribunal by newsreader Martine Croxall who has accused the broadcaster of age and sex discrimination. Ms Croxall, 55, who has not appeared on air since March 2023, is taking legal action after she and four other female employees lost their senior positions following the merger of the BBC’s News and World News channels, official documents reveal.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 19, 2024
Wife of philanthropist Tetra Pak heir dies from cancer
The Independent

Wife of philanthropist Tetra Pak heir dies from cancer

A new tragedy has hit the Tetra Pak heir Hans Rausing with the death of his second wife, Julia, at the age of 63, after a long battle with cancer. She died peacefully yesterday morning surrounded by her family.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 19, 2024