Object

Representation ID: 5906

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Tom Tagg

Although this is an HMG issue, it must be fought:
The standard method is FLAWED and unfairly penalises Bedford. The two key components of the standard method are:
• Housing affordability:
HMG policy is that if houses are unaffordable then building more will reduce house prices. This is nonsense – house prices are driven by the market and the rate at which developers build-out. They will control the rate of build-out to maintain market price levels and their profits.
• Projection of growth: Previous growth is reviewed and projected forward – this results in a scenario where the more an area grows (and builds houses) the more it has to continue to grow (and build more houses). Bedford has grown at three times the UK average and therefore will be unfairly burdened with targets to grow even further.
The standard method needs to be revised to recognise the growth contribution areas have already made to HMG targets and to align with HMG policy to “level-up” across the UK – everywhere should take its fair share rather than overheat areas that are already growth hotspots.