Increased funding for BSR within plans for next generation of new towns

The government has said, 'Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards of new towns across Britain as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding program since the post-war era.'. Visiting a housing development on 13 February 2025, the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns—'well '-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools, and public transport where people will want to live.'

'Over 100 proposals from across every region in England have been submitted, showing local areas and housebuilders’ ambition to get on board to build the next generation of new towns—playing their part in getting Britain building and tackling the worst housing crisis in living memory. Every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 homes or more.'

'Delivering security is central to this government’s Plan for Change because the least working people deserve, when they graft hard, is a secure home. That’s why the government is providing much-needed housing in the right places with the right infrastructure, and the New Towns Taskforce has today set clear principles on what the next generation of new towns will deliver: affordable housing, vital infrastructure, and access to open green spaces and nature to transform the lives of working people.'

Responding to concerns from the construction sector on pinch points, the announcement includes stepping up the work of the Building Safety Regulator to ensure greater timeliness and efficiency when new tall buildings are signed off—to provide more homes for more people. The government plans are to be bolstered by extra government funding in areas including the Building Safety Regulator with

£2 million support for the Building Safety Regulator to continue improving the processing for new-build applications.
Over £3 million of grants for local councils to bolster planning capacity, alongside direct advice and navigation through some of the more complex issues holding up new development.
£1 million for government agencies, including National Highways, Natural England, and the Environment Agency, to speed up the planning approval of new homes and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where required.

Alongside the Accelerator, the government is also supporting local partners through a clearing service to help accelerate the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes, with nearly 300 housebuilders, local councils and registered providers signing up in the first 50 days of its launch. In December, the government set a clear hierarchy of brownfield first, grey belt second, and green belt third. Further funding has also been announced to drive regeneration and brownfield delivery in the following areas:

£20 million to help transform neglected small-scale council-owned sites into new homes for areas most in need.
Nearly £30 million from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund in Bradford to transform derelict brownfield sites into a vibrant residential area with 1,000 new homes, three community parks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and offices.
£1.5 million to support a regeneration program at Manchester Victoria North, delivering a new district of 15,000 homes with transport links and green spaces.