Javid and Barwell paper calls for regulatory freezes to tackle housing crisis

Sajid Javid and Gavin Barwell collaborated on a housing paper on October 14, 2026. The paper states that falling consumer confidence and severe development unviability are hindering housebuilding. It proposes a comprehensive strategy that includes regulatory freezes, a shared equity scheme, and planning reforms to address the housing crisis.

The paper addresses a housing crisis that has been building for 50 years, noting that housebuilding is an important driver for economic growth. It suggests that tackling the crisis requires a comprehensive strategy and significant regulatory and fiscal intervention.