Moreover, just as in other regions, there are significant areas of unemployment and deprivation within London and the south-east itself. This Government, unlike the previous one, are determined to see fairer sharing in the benefits of growth both between and within regions. One of the reasons why we have established regional development agencies in England's regions is to tackle such disparities. In deciding how many additional homes need to be provided, I have had to weigh very carefully the different views presented to me. The proposals were examined in public by a panel led by Professor Stephen Crow, which concluded that provision should be made for 1.1 million additional homes outside London.
All Governments have to make judgments on such strategic issues.
Serplan was understandably concerned about the number of new homes to be built in the south-east. The Crow panel, for its part, applied a rigid predict and provide approach, and it did not pay sufficient attention to the capacity of London and the south-east to absorb and plan for growth sustainably. I believe that we must take a different approach. I shall consult local authorities in the south-east on the basis that they should plan, monitor and manage housing provision in their region. However, we have moved away from a 20-year plan to our new approach of plan, monitor and manage.