LOCAL PLAN SIMPLIFICATION CONSULTATION RESPONSE FROM THE HOUSING FORUM
The Housing Forum has responded to the Government’s consultation on the way in which local authorities make Local Plans. Our membership base across the entire of the housing sector sees the benefit of Local Plans and we support the Government’s efforts to make the plan-making process simpler and faster. The move to greater standardisation where practical is welcomed.
Older People’s Housing Taskforce | Call for evidence
The Housing Forum has contributed to the Older People’s Housing Taskforce’s call for evidence. Older people’s housing has been a significant focus for us and our members, most notably via our recent publication Older and Wiser: A practical guide for developing, commissioning and operating age-friendly homes
Developer Contribution Inquiry
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Planning launched an inquiry into England’s developer contributions systems. The APPG sought evidence about the Government’s proposed Infrastructure Levy and explored proposals to improve existing Section 106 (S106) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) mechanisms. The inquiry aims to recommend improvements to our planning system. 
Second Staircases | Letter from The Housing Forum to Secretary of State
The Housing Forum has written to Secretary of State, Michael Gove expressing concerns about the forthcoming rules around second staircases for tall buildings.
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Environmental incentives to support sustainable new homes
The Housing Forum was pleased to respond to Ofwat’s consultation on changes to their charging rules in the form of a common framework for water companies to offer stronger and more standardised environmental incentives to developers to encourage them to build new homes that are more water efficient and with sustainable drainage.
The Housing Forum signs letter calling on government to scrap flagship planning reform
A total of 30 organisations - Councils, housebuilders, housing associations and planners have written to the Levelling Up Secretary of State, Michael Gove calling on the government to scrap a key part of its flagship planning reforms, the proposed Infrastructure Levy, and instead to reform the current system for developer contributions for infrastructure and affordable housing.
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Technical consultation on the Infrastructure Levy
The Housing Forum has responded to the Government’s technical consultation on the infrastructure levy.

We represent organisations from across the housing sector – including local authorities, housebuilders and social landlords. We see very little enthusiasm for the levy from any of these groups.
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Planning fees
We are supportive of the proposals to increase the fees for planning applications. However, it is vital that the fee increase results in improved performance and speed of planning decisions. Ringfencing fees is unlikely to be sufficient to achieve this in a context of cash-starved local authorities who do not have sufficient resources.
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Reforms to Planning Policy consultation
The Housing Forum believes that the Government is right to see housing as part of the growth agenda, and with a role to play in Levelling Up.

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#THFEvent | THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY IN DESIGN AND DELIVERY @thehousingforum are looking forward to this on-site event tomorrow at @MeridianWater Building Bloqs, @EnfieldCouncil hosted by @Countryside_PS.

This event will explore the value of #diversity in #design and delivery… https://t.co/m2aAxeKzPK https://t.co/9pasuCwpWG

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#THFEvent | THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY IN DESIGN AND DELIVERY @thehousingforum are looking forward to this on-site event tomorrow at Meridian Water Building Bloqs, LB Enfield hosted by @Countryside_PS .

This event will explore the value of #diversity in #design and delivery by… https://t.co/aq4wtrL0m5 https://t.co/mD4WZ8rWLX

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We have responded today to the Government’s consultation on planning fees. We welcome the proposals to increase fees though it is vital that the fee increase results in improved performance and speed of planning decisions in order to help bring forward much-needed new housing. https://t.co/9XbbjQLSU9 https://t.co/9vNcTIzmWO

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We’ll be tuning in to this later today. Hoping to see the Government listening carefully to the concerns of the housing sector about the recent changes to planning rules.

We need ways to protect nature that don’t involving grinding housebuilding to a halt. https://t.co/tcdYLklfPs