Labour pledges billions to build 200,000 new homes per year if it wins next election

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Labour Government would plough billions of pounds into a huge housebuilding programme to tackle Britain’s housing crisis, Ed Balls will pledge today. Mr Balls will say: “If we are to meet that target of at least 200,000 new homes a year by the end of the next parliament, while protecting communities, preserving valuable green belt land, avoiding haphazard urban sprawl and encouraging quality housing in sustainable communities, then every community will need to play its part and plan for the next generation. But we are also clear that we cannot deliver this ambition unless we build new towns.” The shadow Chancellor will argue: “Britain simply won’t be able to tackle the cost-of-living crisis that we currently face – or build the strong economy that we need to take us to a more prosperous future – unless we build more homes. He will warn: “If Help to Buy merely boosts demand for housing without being matched by action to increase supply, then house prices will rise and rise.” Mike Quinton, the NHBC’s chief executive, said: “The policy to build 200,000 new homes a year is clearly a positive step in the right direction.