Top Service News
Government to Housebuilders – “Get On and Build”
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The Deputy Prime Minister has issued a clear and direct message to UK housebuilders: the time for delays is over. Backed by new planning powers and penalties, councils will now be able to hold developers to account to ensure promised homes are actually delivered.
Under the government’s Plan for Change, developers will need to commit to realistic build-out schedules before receiving planning permission. Annual progress reporting will be mandatory, and those falling behind without good reason could face a Delayed Homes Penalty—or even risk losing future permissions altogether.
These reforms aim to deliver 1.5 million new homes, prevent speculative land banking, and support working people and families locked out of the housing market. The government is also trialling a “mixed tenure by default” approach for large sites, aiming to speed up delivery by ensuring a stronger mix of affordable housing.
At Top Service, we welcome this push for greater accountability and transparency in the sector. For too long, uncertainty around project delivery has made it harder for contractors and suppliers to plan ahead. When sites stall, the ripple effects across the supply chain can be significant—from disrupted schedules to delayed payments. Measures that reinforce timely, reliable build-out benefit not just communities, but everyone involved in getting the job done.
As always, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these changes are implemented across local authorities, and what they mean for those working on the ground.