Almost halfway through Labour's term in power, the promise to deliver 1.5 million homes is uncertain. Reports from the Financial Times suggest that government ministers have accepted defeat and plan to quietly stop mentioning it. The Chartered Institute of Housing's UK Housing Review Autumn Briefing estimates that one million homes will be built over Labour's five years in power, just two-thirds of the goal.
The UK Housing Review Autumn Briefing Paper highlights that 500,000 fewer homes will be built than promised. Housing secretary Angela Rayner admitted in September that there was a "slim chance" ministers might hit the target, which was described as a "stretch target". Despite this, Labour has poured a sizeable amount of cash into the social and affordable homes programme.
The previously pledged £39bn will be topped up at the autumn budget with an extra £1bn. However, the benefits of the programme won't be seen until after the next general election. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also pledged to deliver the biggest post-war council housing programme in generations. Time is running out, and economic headwinds continue to offer a gloomy outlook.
CIH chief executive Gavin Smart stated that current delivery is not yet matching the scale of the challenge. He emphasized that councils, housing associations, and developers must have the certainty and investment necessary to increase supply. Social and affordable housing will be critical to achieving that goal. The upcoming budget is an important opportunity for the government to back its housing ambition with the investment needed to boost delivery.
Despite the challenges, there is hope to be found. The Royal Institute of British Architects recently unveiled the winner of the Stirling Prize – the award for Britain's best new building. Lion Green Road in Coulsdon, South London, designed by Mary Duggan Architects with RUFFARCHITECTS, came out on top. The suburban scheme delivered 157 dwellings, divided across five blocks, on a former car park on a sloping site.
The development's combination of privately owned and socially rented homes for Croydon Council is being held up as an example of what's possible. RIBA's president Chris Williamson said that density can be achieved without compromising the quality of the places created. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook added that a new wave of council housing is embracing innovative, imaginative, and attractive design.
The UK Housing Review Autumn Briefing Paper is available as a free download. As Labour continues to navigate the challenges of delivering on its housing promises, it remains to be seen whether the party can still hit its 1.5 million homes target. With time running out, the government must make key decisions to boost delivery and achieve its housing ambitions.
Key points
- Labour's promise to deliver 1.5 million homes is uncertain, with reports suggesting government ministers have accepted defeat.
- The UK Housing Review Autumn Briefing estimates that one million homes will be built over Labour's five years in power, just two-thirds of the goal.
- The government must make key decisions to boost delivery and achieve its housing ambitions.
