Construction companies complete structures, yet the government struggles to distribute them

In a significant move to address the housing crisis, the government has revealed a comprehensive plan aimed at building one million homes before the next general election. The plan, delivered by Housing Secretary Michael Gove in a speech in Parliament, aims to give communities control over their future and regenerate the hearts of 20 important towns and cities.

The plan includes a focus on building great public services into every community, ensuring every home is safe, decent, and warm. The government's commitment to this plan is evident as they have allocated £24m to train planning authorities to speed up big developments and have set aside £13.5m for a 'super squad' of planners to unblock certain projects.

The plan also extends ownership to a new generation, with a new deal for tenants and landlords. The National Housing Federation, an organisation at the forefront of housing issues, has deemed Michael Gove's policies as a 'positive start' but 'nowhere near the scale or ambition that is needed.'

One of the key principles of the plan is the creation of greener homes and greener landscapes, with a focus on protecting the green belt. The plan also seeks to liberate leaseholders from unreasonable charges and conditions.

The development in Cambridge is set to be the first task under this plan, but concerns have been raised by Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne, due to water scarcity issues. The Local Government Association has also warned that converting empty retail premises and betting shops into flats and houses, as proposed in the plan, may result in poor-quality living spaces.

The plan's focus on beauty is evident as it aims to make architecture great again and build beautiful homes. However, the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in December last year serves as a stark reminder of the tragedies that can occur when families are left in barely liveable conditions. The government's plan is a step towards ensuring such tragedies are avoided in the future.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to this plan, emphasising the need for action to address the housing crisis. The plan's success will be closely watched, with hopes that it will provide a solution to the housing crisis and improve the lives of many families across the country.