MPs call for 'heritage-to-housing' scheme, citing 670,000 homes locked in historic buildings

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee reported on 13 July that up to 670,000 homes could be created by bringing vacant historic buildings back into use — close to half the government's 1.5m target. It wants a 'reuse first' planning principle and VAT relief on repairs, which currently make conversion dearer than new build. For buyers and sellers, nothing changes today: these are recommendations, and the government has made no commitment. It matters as a signal on where supply policy may head.