In recent days I met virtually with Chief Executive of Northampton Partnership Homes, Mike Kay, as well as David Latham, its Chairman of the Board.
Northampton Partnership Homes (“NPH”) manages some 11,000 council homes on behalf of the newly-assembled West Northamptonshire Council. I am always grateful for the work of Mike and his team, and I often write directly to Mike when constituents face housing issues. This meeting gave us the opportunity to discuss planning changes announced in The Queen’s speech, working with the new Council, lessons learned from the pandemic including new ways of working, and indeed giving consideration as to how NPH can best build more homes to support the people of Northampton.
The Planning Bill - announced at the Queen's Speech - will be integral in hitting our ambitious house-building targets. In protected areas, however, such as areas at risk of flooding or places of natural beauty and green belt, there will remain restrictions on development.
Indeed, increasing housing supply remains a priority for this government and we are determined to build better and greener, but also to build faster, a commitment with which Mike and his team are fully on board. Plans are underway to ensure housebuilding is eco-friendly and zero-carbon ready, as we continue our endeavour to achieving our world-leading net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Mike and his team continue to provide a good service to many of my constituents.