# Britain's biggest builder says planning reforms fall short

> Barratt Redrow cuts targets as tax hikes and regulation squeeze the housing sector.
- Title: Britain's biggest builder says planning reforms fall short
- Summary: Barratt Redrow cuts targets as tax hikes and regulation squeeze the housing sector. Planning reform alone won't solve Britain's housing crisis without…
- Keywords: barratt redrow, angela rayner, planning reforms, housebuilding, housing crisis, first-time buyers, stamp duty, labour government, mortgage rates, housing delivery, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/money/markets/article-16135235/Labours-planning-reforms-not-says-Britains-biggest-housebuilder-trims-targets.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:54:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: barratt redrow, angela rayner, planning reforms, housebuilding, housing crisis, first-time buyers, stamp duty, labour government, mortgage rates, housing delivery, news, entertainment
## Builder cuts home targets
Barratt Redrow, Britain's largest housebuilder, lowered its annual forecast to 17,500-17,900 homes from 17,700-18,200, citing tax and regulatory pressures.
## Planning reforms not enough
Barratt said Labour's 1.5 million home target 'will not be enough' without addressing tax burdens and barriers to home ownership.

> will not be enough
## Continuing delays plague sector
Despite Labour's promises to tackle planning delays, Barratt flagged ongoing delays as a constraint on housebuilding.
## Mortgage rates squeeze demand
Higher mortgage rates and affordability pressures are dampening consumer confidence, with building costs expected to rise 4 percent annually.
## Builders call for stamp duty cut
Barratt and rivals Berkeley and Bellway have urged Labour to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers to unlock housing delivery.
## Share buyback despite headwinds
Barratt's shares rose 7.5 percent after confirming a 386 million pound buyback programme, despite an 18 percent annual decline.
## Key takeaway

Planning reform alone won't solve Britain's housing crisis without addressing tax burdens and affordability for first-time buyers.