Angela Rayner's overhaul plan receives mixed reviews in London.

Angela Rayner's recent overhaul plan has sparked considerable debate within political circles in London, yielding mixed reviews from various stakeholders. The proposal, aimed at revitalizing the Labour Party's approach to education and social justice, has been met with enthusiasm from some party members who view it as a necessary step towards re-engaging the electorate. Advocates argue that the plan addresses long-standing issues within the education system, such as funding disparities and access to quality resources for disadvantaged communities. By prioritizing these areas, Rayner positions herself as an advocate for equity in education, resonating with those who believe that systemic change is imperative.

Conversely, critics of Rayner's overhaul plan express skepticism regarding its feasibility and implementation. Some detractors argue that while the intentions behind the proposal may be commendable, they lack a concrete framework for execution. Concerns have been raised about potential financial implications and whether sufficient resources will be allocated to support such ambitious initiatives. Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding how this plan may align with broader party goals and whether it can effectively address diverse regional needs across the UK.

There has also been some specific reaction to Rayner’s delivery target for London as a whole being set at 80,000 new homes a year. This is actually a reduction from the 100,000 “urban uplift” goal set by the previous government, yet still far in excess of the roughly 35,000 actually delivered during the last financial year and also Sadiq Khan’s London Plan target of 52,000 a year.

For Peter John, former chair of London Councils and leader of Southwark and now chair of the Terrapin Group, “the new target remains a considerable stretch.” However, writing at the CAPX website created by right wing think tank Policy Exchange, Ben Hopkinson, policy researcher at pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, describes the reduction from 100,000 as “unfortunate” given that “Britain’s housing shortage is most acute in the capital”.

Ms Rayner also said action was needed to tackle high levels of homelessness, over one million households on social housing waiting lists and homes on average in England costing more than eight times the average income.

As part of the planning shake-up, the government is changing the method used to calculate how many houses are needed in an area "so we better reflect the urgency of supply for local areas".

The Greens called the planning shake-up a "distraction from Labour’s failure to step up and fund the real answers to the housing crisis, including large-scale investment in truly affordable, sustainable council housing."

 Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• Every MCU actor that has not been cast in Avengers: Doomsday
• New films, new stories
• The untold story of San Francisco's most underrated romantic comedy