That leaves just four years for the Government to hit its target of 300,000 new homes by 2030, including 72,000 social housing units, as set down again in last week’s refurbished housing plan.

Does anyone believe that this figure can be met at the current sluggish rate of construction?

While an element of despair is forgivable, it is imperative that the plan be given a chance to work – not least as it’s the only game in town.

For it to fall flat again is too horrific to contemplate. It has encouraging elements, including the recognition of the need for increased infrastructure investment to support new developments. If ministers are serious about providing a “clear and robust framework” for construction, all the better. Such clarity has been sorely lacking from different departments for

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