Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement in response to The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP announcement to get Britain building again

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement in response to The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP announcement to get Britain building again

I very much welcome today’s announcement from The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP. It is clear that there are issues within the planning system which has prevented building, held back growth, and most importantly left so many unable to afford quality places to live. I wholeheartedly agree with the Secretary of State that we have “a moral obligation to see more homes built”. 

The housing crisis is acutely felt in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the city of Cambridge alone is often cited as one of the UK’s most unaffordable cities. As house prices outstrip wages, residents’ are forced to pay on average 60% of their earnings on rent alone. I am aware this is not just a problem suffered by residents in the south of our region, hard working residents all over Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are struggling to afford somewhere to live. This is unsustainable and the status quo is no longer an option.  

Access to quality affordable housing is imperative to quality of life. Well planned house building that is delivered well is the key to thriving communities. As a doctor, I have seen how poor planning can affect the mental and physical health of communities.  

We have not been shy that there are barriers to sustainable housebuilding in our region. We must fix the infrastructural barriers, such as water supply, and I will continue to work with constituent councils and the Government to seek resolution.  

Fixing the housing crisis will only be possible by strong partnership working. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority stands ready to work with Government and our constituent councils to ensure that our residents have access to quality, affordable and social homes. 

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson