The Levelling Up Agenda: What It Really Means

The new Levelling Up White Paper outlines significant changes for the private rental sector. Landlords will lose their Section 21 eviction powers, according to Housing Secretary Michael Gove. This move aims to end the unfair practice of landlords evicting tenants without reason. Additionally, the White Paper establishes that all homes in the private rental sector must meet the Decent Homes Standard as a minimum.

Proposals in the White Paper

The White Paper introduces further proposals beyond eviction reforms. For example, it promises the introduction of a landlord register to take action against rogue landlords who create difficulties for tenants and break rules. While there’s no direct mention of a national register, the announcement is still noteworthy. The government will launch a £1.5 billion Levelling Up Home Building Fund, providing loans to small and medium-sized developers, supporting the wider regeneration agenda in priority areas for leveling up. The government also commits to building more genuinely affordable social housing. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, a Social Housing Regulation Bill will be introduced. Furthermore, the 80/20 rule, which directs 80% of housing funding to areas like London and the South East, will be scrapped. A portion of the £1.8 billion brownfield funding will instead be allocated to transforming brownfield sites in the North and Midlands, with £120 million designated for metro mayors.

Missions in the Levelling Up White Paper

The Levelling Up White Paper lays out missions aimed at achieving nationwide improvements by 2030. These missions are a key part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which gives them legal status.

1. Economic Growth: By 2030, pay, employment, and productivity will increase in every region, closing the gap between top-performing and other areas.
2. R&D Investment: Domestic public investment in R&D outside the Greater South East will increase by 40%, stimulating innovation and productivity growth.
3. Public Transport: Public transport connectivity will improve, with services and fares closer to London standards by 2030.
4. Broadband and Connectivity: By 2030, the UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with a majority covered by 5G.
5. Education: The percentage of primary school children meeting expected reading, writing, and mathematics standards will increase, especially in the lowest performing areas.

Improving Skills and Health

1. Skills Training: The number of people completing high-quality skills training will rise, with 200,000 more people completing courses annually in England, especially in the lowest skilled areas.
2. Healthy Life Expectancy: By 2030, the gap in Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) between high and low-income areas will narrow, with a target to increase HLE by five years by 2035.
3. Well-being: Well-being across the UK will improve by 2030, closing the gap between the best and worst performing areas.

Community and Housing Improvements

1. Pride in Place: People’s satisfaction with their town centers and engagement in local culture and community will increase by 2030.
2. Housing and Home Ownership: Renters will have a secure path to ownership, and the number of first-time buyers will rise. The government aims to reduce substandard rented homes by 50%, with the greatest improvements in the worst-performing areas.

Crime Reduction and Devolution

1. Crime Reduction: The government will focus on reducing homicide, serious violence, and neighborhood crime, particularly in the worst-affected areas, by 2030.
2. Devolution: Every part of England that desires one will have a devolution deal by 2030, with powers at or near the highest level of devolution, and a streamlined long-term funding arrangement.