Queen's Speech 2021 - briefing for housing associations

The Queen’s Speech set out the government’s priorities and legislative agenda for the coming year.

The speech outlined a range of measures and Bills in relation to coronavirus recovery, “levelling up” and a number of announcements relevant to housing associations.

The NHF will continue to engage with the government over its proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech and we welcome the government’s commitment to putting housing high up the political agenda for the next parliamentary session.

Key announcements in the Speech include: 

• Bringing forward the Building Safety Bill, which will provide a new regulatory landscape for the safety of buildings.
• The Planning Bill which focuses on the speed of housebuilding and looks to significantly reduce the time it takes for developments to go through the planning system.
• Plans for leasehold reform under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill.
• A commitment to continue to enact the proposals of the Social Housing White Paper, although no commitment to legislation at this time.
• Plans on renters’ reform with a White Paper, with legislation to follow, in the Autumn.

This briefing summarises the key announcements in the speech that relate to the sector and our response to each.