Housing: New Homes Target

Debate between Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge and Lord Gascoigne

Wednesday 17th January 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gascoigne (Con)]

The noble Baroness is right to talk about the need to build more homes, and that is exactly what we are trying to do. I tried to address the point about social housing earlier. That is why there is the £11.5 billion in affordable homes. With respect, a key part of this is having a plan. We have a long-term plan, but it is not that alone but ensuring that there is funding behind it and that we unlock land, put infrastructure in and try to do all we can to support not just first-time buyers but those who may have lower incomes.

[Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Con)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Gascoigne (Con)]

I am grateful to the noble and learned Baroness for that. I completely understand the point, but I do not have an answer to it with me. It is certainly right that we should explore every option to build a variety of homes. I undertake, with her permission, to write to the noble and learned Baroness on that point.

[Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Con)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Gascoigne (Con)]

I am grateful to the right reverend Prelate for raising this point yet again. The key point is to not only have a plan but to continue to invest in unlocking land, particularly around the funding to build affordable homes. It is about infrastructure, investing in skills and helping people get into the property market in the first place.

[Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Con)]

My Lords—