As the cost of living crisis bites and recession looms, Boris Johnson keeps pressing ministers to come up with ideas to boost the economy that don’t cost money. The news that the economy contracted in March puts even more pressure on the government to find reforms that could inject some momentum. Yet there is one idea hiding in plain sight that would do far more than any of the measures discussed so far: planning reform. The Tories were elected on a manifesto pledge to build 300,000 homes a year, something only achievable if the planning system is simplified. But a Tory backbench revolt and a thumping defeat in the Chesham & Amersham by-election has sent the government into a headlong retreat.

Source: The Times May 13, 2022 00:43 UTC