The Government has struggled to get its Planning and Infrastructure Bill through Parliament. Rebellions on the Government backbenches and reasonable suggestions from the House of Lords have meant that the Labour administration has had to delay its introduction.
In the House of Commons this week, the Bill returned from the House of Lords, where the Government faced several defeats. The Opposition has routinely suggested sensible amendments that would have ensured that infrastructure is delivered swiftly, that value is added to communities through development and that the market is allowed to build the homes we desperately need. These amendments were necessary because, as it stands, the legislation will fail on all three metrics.
During my speech in this debate, I not only discussed these issues, but I also alluded to the very real debates we have had in the constituency. One such debate was the protection of chalk streams, such as the River Colne, which runs along the border of my constituency. The Conservative Party has sought to create new protections in this Bill for chalk streams, and I was disappointed that the Government did not agree to include such carve-outs in the Bill.
Sadly, it is clear that the Government will use its large majority to punish first-time buyers, homeowners and homebuilders. The Bill will now return to the Lords for a final round of debate, but I expect that the Government will not move its position.
