The government will confirm the final locations of its new towns programme by the end of this year, according to housing minister Matthew Pennycook. At a House of Lords Built Environment Committee session on new towns, Pennycook answered questions on progress with the programme, following a consultation on a draft version which closed in May. The Committee also quizzed the housing minister on a possible “loss of momentum” with the initiative due to a change of prime minister and the announcement of other housing policies.