Rayner could hit English councils that block housing developments with tougher sanctions

Local authorities could be forced to approve new developments or risk giving planning control to Whitehall

Angela Rayner is poised to introduce tougher sanctions on councils in England that block local housing developments.

Councils could be forced to approve new housing developments – overturning locally agreed plans – under stricter rules or risk handing over control of their planning departments to Whitehall officials.