Persimmon ups housebuilding forecast amid optimism over Labour plans

Builder also says outlook for house sales improving as consumer confidence returns after interest rate cut

Persimmon has strengthened its housebuilding forecasts for the year, saying it has been encouraged" by the new Labour government's planning reforms.

The company, which is one of the UK's largest housebuilders, said its outlook was already being bolstered by improving consumer confidence, having seen an uptick in visits by potential buyers.