New laws came into force on 26 October 2023 to speed up the planning system, hold developers to account, cut bureaucracy, and encourage more councils to put in place plans to enable the building of new homes.

These measures have become enshrined in law after the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent. The government says that it is on track to meet its manifesto commitment of delivering 1m homes over this Parliament, and earlier this year the Housing Secretary set out his long-term plan for housing and how government will build the right homes in the right places.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act is at the heart of this long-term plan and promises to ensure that new development is built ‘more beautifully’, producing more local infrastructure, like GP surgeries, schools and transport links.

Building more homes in areas most in need is a key part of levelling up, and the Act will also deliver further measures to support regeneration in left-behind communities.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP said: “Our landmark Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act will deliver more homes for communities across the country and unleash levelling up in left-behind places.

“It will deliver revitalised high streets and town centres. A faster and less bureaucratic planning system with developers held to account. More beautiful homes built alongside GP surgeries, schools and transport links, and environmental enhancement. Communities taking back control of their future with new powers to shape their local area. And our long-term levelling up missions enshrined in law.