Briefings and responses

The planning process needs developers, councils and local communities to work together to create effective partnerships. The earlier in the planning process these relationships are built, the more likely it is that positive outcomes will be achieved for local communities from new development.

The housing shortage is one of the most pressing issues we face. Councils have a key role in delivering more affordable housing and helping to build 300,000 new homes a year.

The LGA continues to campaign for a locally led planning system and this is particularly important as we rebuild and recover from COVID-19.

Councils have a key role to play in building good quality social homes, and in enforcing strong standards. In addition, local authorities must be empowered to provide access to the right infrastructure, through the planning system, to allow people to live healthy lives.

Councils are committed to ensuring new homes are built and communities have quality places to live. It is vital that these are delivered through a locally-led planning system with public participation at its heart which gives communities the power to ensure new developments are of a high standard, built in the right places, and include affordable homes.

"Allowing councils to keep money from fines is helpful, but may not address the cost of the proactive work necessary to ensure letting agents are complying with the ban."

We welcome the Tenant Fees Bill and we are pleased that the Bill received cross-party support in the House of Commons. The Government’s intention to make private rented accommodation more accessible is positive. Excessive letting agent fees are a concern for many tenants and councils.

The Tenant Fees Bill will abolish most upfront fees for tenants in England and cap security deposits at the equivalent of six weeks’ rent.

We welcome the Tenant Fees Bill and the Government’s intention to make private rented accommodation more accessible.

The LGA has acknowledged that there are merits in introducing an element of standardisation in supporting to councils assess housing need.