Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is directing efforts towards voters who support housebuilding, particularly in constituencies where there is a significant pro-development sentiment, according to The Times.
The party’s strategy is buoyed by analysis indicating that housing ranks as the primary concern in a quarter of Labour’s 100 most promising electoral areas.
Acknowledging the necessity to address housing shortages, Labour embraces the idea of building on green belt land, recognising that meeting housing demands may require releasing protected areas.
This approach starkly contrasts with the Conservative stance, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak facing criticism from within his own party for abandoning housebuilding targets. Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy, Angela Rayner, have committed to constructing 1.5 million homes within five years, proposing the development of “grey belt land” for this purpose.
The importance of housing resonates strongly with voters, as evidenced by polling data placing it among the top concerns. Stack Data Strategy’s analysis reveals that in areas targeted by Labour, housing is frequently identified as the primary issue. Even in cases where it is not the top priority, these constituencies tend to be more supportive of development compared to others.
Labour aims to ensure that any proposed development meets the quality standards and infrastructure requirements necessary for sustainable growth. Labour also maintains that informed decision-making about green belt land usage is essential.
Labour’s shadow housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, emphasises the need for a strategic approach to green belt development, focusing on low-quality areas while safeguarding high-quality land.
