Queen’s Speech is a missed opportunity for new housing and levelling up

The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association has expressed his disappointment that the building of many new affordable homes and a more robust commitment to levelling up were not included in today’s Queen’s Speech.

The speech, which sets out the Government’s policy agenda for the year ahead, was delivered earlier today on Her Majesty’s behalf by Prince Charles.

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “With the cost of living crisis really beginning to bite, I had hoped that the Government would show more ambition by offering tangible support to those communities that will inevitably suffer most.

“The pledge to reform the planning system by giving residents more involvement seems designed to restrict house building rather than encourage it.

“I look forward to providing input to the legislation to improve the regulation of social housing.

“I also welcome the prospect of measures to drive local regeneration but the people of Bradford and Keighley have repeatedly missed out when additional resources for regeneration projects are allocated.

“This includes transport with the Queen’s Speech containing promises to modernise rail services but, having recently missed out on Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new station in Bradford, hopes within the communities we serve will not be high.”