Labour targets housebuilders as it pledges to build new towns

LABOUR will build a new generation of towns in a bid to tackle the housing crisis, Angela Rayner will say as she attempts to curry favour with the housebuilding sector.

Labour’s deputy leader has said the “foundations of our past” are the inspiration for the proposals, pointing to her party’s record in government following the Second World War, when towns like Stevenage and Basildon were built.

Speaking at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), a property industry conference in Leeds, Ms Rayner is expected to say Labour will back “developers who deliver” if it wins power.

Ms Rayner, who is also the shadow housing secretary, will tell the conference that a Labour government would set high standards on design, quality, affordable homes, green spaces and infrastructure.

New towns will be a crucial part of Labour’s plans to grapple with the housing crisis in the UK, she is expected to say.