The government’s proposals on build-out rates could be “counter-productive” and slow down the pace of new housebuilding rather than speed it up, the Housing Forum (THF) has said.

As part of its aim to see 1.5 million new homes built by 2029, the government is proposing to introduce a new statutory build-out reporting framework. However, the THF fears the proposed framework would “pit developers and councils against each other”.

The government is currently consulting on requiring developers to state the speed at which new housing will be delivered when they apply for planning permission. Potential penalties under the proposals include fines for late delivery imposed by local authorities, and the refusal of future planning applications.