Labour will build a future for all.

Labour’s plan to get Britain building again will start here in East Cambridgeshire.

An incoming Labour government would set a target of building 1.5 million new homes across the country, to tackle the housing crisis - along with first dibs for first time buyers and a major reform of planning laws to cut red tape and get homes built where we need them most.

Labour will empower regional and local leaders to deliver the homes that East Cambridgeshire needs.

Elizabeth McWillimas, Labour's candidate for Ely and East Cambridgeshire said:

“The Conservatives have failed to hit every housing target they’ve ever set, meaning that we continue to lag well behind much of Europe on house building. Labour would reintroduce local housing targets and ensure they are met.

“We know the current planning system isn’t working. The Tories allow developers a free-for-all on the best quality land, with development that is haphazard and unplanned, and often leads to local opposition. Here in East Cambridgeshire, that has also meant a lack of vital infrastructure like community facilities, schools and GP surgeries.

“Too often we see local councils like South Cambridgeshire District Council either unwilling or unable to take on developers and make them fulfil their obligations. In some cases we’ve seen promises of 40% affordable housing fall to almost 20%. Labour will ensure that new developments across Cambridgeshire must include at least 50% affordable housing.

“We will always aim to build on brownfield land first along with neglected areas such as poor quality wastelands and disused car parks. We will also require that vital, local infrastructure is in place early along with new green spaces, new woodland, parks and playing fields.

“Labour has a plan to end the housing crisis and make housing something that is secure, affordable and accessible for everyone.”

Labour has set five golden rules for housebuilding. These guiding principles will ensure that the new affordable homes are built in a way that protects natural green spaces and doesn’t put undue pressure on public services and infrastructure: https://labour.org.uk/updates/stories/labours-housing-plan-how-well-protect-our-natural-spaces-and-free-up-grey-belt-land-for-building/