Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

LRG Chief Urges Burnham to Prioritise Housing Reforms

LRG chief executive Michael Cook has outlined a series of housing reforms he wants Andy Burnham to prioritise if Burnham becomes Prime Minister. Cook emphasises that housing should be central to any future economic programme, while cautioning against excessive regulation.

Cook argues that government-backed mortgages, support for key worker products, and better use of shared ownership could help creditworthy households who struggle to save enough for deposits, even if these measures alone will not solve the supply issue. He also calls for a review of policies that restrict housing mobility and investment, specifically highlighting Stamp Duty as a barrier that discourages people from moving and contributes to under-occupation and reduced housing supply.

Cook states that Section 24 has made private renting less attractive to many landlords, which he says has reduced rental supply. He also advocates for planning reform to provide greater certainty, suggesting that zonal and pre-approved development approaches should be examined.

For the property industry, Cook supports mandatory training for sales and lettings agents, clear entry requirements, and robust enforcement through a properly funded regulator. However, he warns that measures such as rent controls, frequent changes to EPC and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, and proposals that reduce choice in deposit protection could have unintended consequences.

Cook concludes that once clear and workable rules are established, responsible businesses, investors, and households should have the stability to make long-term decisions.