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FRANK FIELD

We need a blueprint that delivers new homes and builders

The Brexit era should bring investment and skills-led growth

The Times

Theresa May must set out a new economic agenda that will form the basis for our Brexit negotiations. The country needs to seize the opportunity afforded by a low pound and low interest rates. The overriding objective of the new government must be to establish a programme of investment and skills-led growth.

Two particular programmes are required: on homes and transport. There must be a serious and sustained housebuilding drive that could add 2 per cent to our growth rate. Such an approach — combined with a balanced migration policy — would do much to stabilise and hopefully lower house prices. This must be accompanied by radical reform of planning laws. Half of all the increase in value arising from planning gains should go to