Government Risks Missing Housing and Nature Targets, MPs Warn

A cross-party group of MPs has warned that the government risks missing its housing and nature targets if it views nature as a blocker to housing growth. The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published a report on Sunday, stating that the measures outlined in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill are not enough to allow the government to meet its goals. According to the report, the bill overrides existing habitat protections, which the government has suggested is a barrier to its target to build 1.5 million houses by the end of this parliament. However, the EAC found that the measures outlined in the bill are not sufficient to achieve this goal. "Using nature as a scapegoat means that the government will be less effective at tackling some of the genuine challenges facing the planning system," the report said. A Ministry of Housing spokesperson responded to the report, stating that the government is fixing a failing system with landmark reforms, which would deliver a win-win for the economy and the environment. The Labour government has promised to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029 as part of efforts to solve the housing crisis and boost economic growth. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a key part of the government's housing reforms, which aim to streamline the planning process and increase the supply of new homes. However, the EAC report suggests that the bill may not be enough to meet the government's targets. The report recommends that the government should focus on addressing the underlying causes of the housing shortage, rather than relying on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to solve the problem. The EAC report also highlights the importance of protecting the environment and preserving natural habitats. "We need to find a way to balance the need for housing with the need to protect the environment," said a spokesperson for the EAC. "This means working with developers and local communities to find solutions that benefit both people and the planet." The government has faced criticism from environmental groups and opposition parties over its handling of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The bill has been accused of undermining existing habitat protections and prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns. However, the Ministry of Housing has defended the bill, saying that it is necessary to address the housing shortage and boost economic growth. The report's findings are likely to be closely watched by policymakers and stakeholders in the housing and environmental sectors. The government will need to respond to the report's recommendations and address the concerns raised by the EAC in order to meet its housing and nature targets.