Labour's new towns plan stalls as no construction has begun

The Labour Government faces criticism from a House of Lords report for failing to commence construction on any of the new towns promised in its housing agenda. Lord Gascoigne, who leads the Built Environment Select Committee, described the situation as a “doom loop” that could undermine confidence among developers and the construction sector. Labour had identified three “promising locations” - Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank and Crews Hill in Enfield - for construction to begin before the Parliament ends, yet no work has started.

The report highlights a severe shortage of young construction workers and unclear funding as major barriers, and calls for the creation of development corporations within three months of final site selection. It also recommends linking new-town delivery bodies with employers and training providers to create apprenticeships and address the looming retirement of many skilled workers. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government says it is assessing options for each site and will publish further details, including a construction jobs plan, in due course.