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"Councils fully support the aspiration of people wanting to buy their own home and helping those that want to buy to be able to. However not everybody is ready to buy, and councils need to be able to ensure a mix of homes and tenures are available in their local area, including homes for sale, social homes and other affordable homes."

“Councils are committed to building homes with the right infrastructure that local communities need and are supportive of custom and self-build housing as one way of achieving that.

Communities could have missed out on nearly 30,000 affordable homes in the past five years if proposed government planning reforms were in place, new analysis by the LGA reveals today.

Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, responds to the announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick that new homes delivered under permitted development rights will have to meet space standards.

“The slowdown in house-building caused by COVID-19 reinforces the urgent need for the Government to make housing a central part of the national recovery."

“This independent report rightly backs our long-standing concerns over the detrimental impact on local communities of rules allowing home conversions without planning permission. It provides further evidence on why it is more vital than ever that planning should remain local."

"We are pleased the Government has acted on our call for an extension of the time given to commence planning permissions that would otherwise lapse."

“As we look to restart the housing market and build the homes the country needs, it is vital we make sure that we meet the housing needs of older people."

“It is good that government has brought forward measures to ensure that planning departments can continue to operate effectively within current public health guidelines."

“Yesterday’s funding announced in the Budget for the Affordable Homes Programme was a positive step, and confirmation of the Housing Infrastructure Fund will help build new homes."