There are lots of ways we need to solve this, and working with local councils and government we are making progress. Brighton and Hove Council has delivered more than 700 additional council homes over the last five years and council homes are now being let more quickly, meaning fewer properties are left sitting empty when families desperately need housing. The Government has also passed the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will provide a huge upgrade in rights and security for the many people in my constituency living in the private rented sector.
Ultimately, though, the biggest single answer to the housing crisis is to build more homes. That’s why on Monday I was pleased to vote for the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is the major legislation to unblock our outdated planning system and get Britain building. At the heart of this is a plan to build 1.5m new homes and free up local communities to build the infrastructure needed alongside it. Crucially, the planning bill will also introduce a more strategic approach to nature recovery and protection, and ensure that builders can meet their environmental obligations faster and at a greater scale.
The benefits of this were underlined on Wednesday, when the Chancellor’s Spring Statement confirmed that these planning reforms will boost growth – adding an extra £15bn to our economy – and create thousands of new jobs. In fact, planning reform is one of the main reasons the independent Office for Budget Responsibility has upgraded Britain’s growth forecasts across the Parliament.
We are, of course, at a moment of real global uncertainty and insecurity, with the threat of tariffs looming and growing instability across Europe. The Spring Statement confirmed, though, that the Government’s plans will see living standards rise twice as fast as in the last Parliament and that the Government is also within reach of meeting the commitment to build 1.5m new homes. There’s a lot still do, but real progress is being made – both to turn our economy around and to finally get Britain building.
Two weeks ago, I wrote in this column that Havens Food Cooperative, an amazing charity supporting people and groups in Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs and Saltdean was at risk of closure.
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Paula Woolven and Havens’ Staff at the Hillcrest Centre, where I saw firsthand the incredible work Havens do in our community. Havens Food Coop, which Paula founded in 2020, collects over-produced or mislabelled food from 19 supermarkets between Brighton and Eastbourne. This food is then distributed to food banks, schools, families, and community groups, helping more than 60 households a day and preventing over three tonnes of food from going to waste each month.
Thanks to the generosity and determination of the local community, I’m delighted to say that enough money has now been raised to keep Havens Cooperative going — a testament to the power of people coming together when it matters most.
I was also thrilled to hear that the Havens Connections Café at Hillcrest, managed by Julia Dunstan, has been named a finalist in the Seahaven Business Awards 2025 for Outstanding Customer Service. This is remarkable for a project that only started last year and reflects the dedication of everyone involved.
Havens Community Hub, which runs both the cooperative and the café, is a great example of how community-led initiatives can transform lives. In June, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is being presented to the Havens Community Cars volunteers. It’s a privilege to represent a community where so many people give their time and energy to support others.
I’ve been in touch with Morrisons this week to seek urgent assurances about their plans for the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven. This redevelopment is crucial for people in Peacehaven and the surrounding area, bringing much-needed investment and revitalisation. However, with recent announcements about nationwide closures and job cuts at Morrisons, I know many residents are worried about what this might mean for the Meridian Centre site.
The redevelopment of the Meridian Centre promises to bring not just a new Morrisons store but also essential community facilities and improved public spaces. It’s a project that matters deeply to the people of Peacehaven, and further delays or uncertainty would be a huge blow to the local area. In short, Peacehaven needs a supermarket and Morrisons need to get on with building one.
I’ve spoken regularly to Morrisons management over recent months, and this week I’ve asked Morrisons to urgently clarify the current status of their plans and provide a clear timeline for progress. I’ve also stressed the importance of keeping the community informed. Peacehaven deserves to know where things stand, and I’ll continue pushing to make sure local voices are heard.
Our community cannot afford to see this vital development left in limbo. I’m committed to keeping the pressure on Morrisons and ensuring that the promises made to Peacehaven are delivered. I’ll update residents as soon as I receive a response.
Chris Ward MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
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