Reform UK proposes social housing priority for young British workers
The party aims to build 50,000 affordable homes annually, funded without new taxes or borrowing.
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The central claim is attributed to Reform UK, with figures from the English Housing Survey cited.
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The article includes responses from Labour, the Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats, and separates fact from comment.
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Reform UK has stated its intention to prioritise British-born workers under the age of 35 for social housing allocations should it form a government. The party also intends to give preference to former military service personnel and married couples with children.
Deputy leader Richard Tice is expected to detail plans on Monday to construct 50,000 affordable social homes each year. The party claims this initiative will be funded without recourse to new taxation or government borrowing. Tice, who has a background in property development, stated his aim is to "get Britain building" and provide young people with the housing they need.
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According to the English Housing Survey for 2024/25, UK or Irish nationals constituted 88.5% of main social home householders. This indicates that approximately 11.5% of main householders, the individuals in whose name the property is rented, were not UK or Irish nationals. Reform UK estimates that 540,000 social homes are currently occupied by foreign nationals.
Criticism of the proposals
A spokesperson for the Labour Party described the plans as "unserious and unworkable", accusing Reform UK of promoting "gimmicks and division". Labour argued that the proposals would target long-term UK residents who have contributed to the country but are not British citizens, including essential workers like NHS staff. They suggested such policies could increase homelessness and the use of temporary accommodation, incurring costs for taxpayers, and might necessitate complex renegotiations with the EU.
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Housing charity Shelter has previously criticised Reform UK's stance on evicting foreign nationals from social housing, advocating instead for increased home construction as the solution rather than altering allocation priorities and potentially fostering division. Labour also asserted that social housing is already subject to strict eligibility controls, with illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and those on student or work visas not being eligible.
Conservative Party's stance
The Conservative Party has also indicated plans to revoke the right of foreign nationals to social housing. They claim their policy, which would permit Irish citizens and some EU nationals to retain their social housing, could free up approximately 230,000 homes. Sir James Cleverly, shadow housing secretary, stated that the Conservatives have already presented comprehensive plans to ensure British nationals are prioritised for social housing, suggesting Reform UK is now attempting to match their policies. He added that the Conservatives support a home-owning society where hard work is rewarded with the ability to purchase a home.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Gideon Amos labelled Reform UK's plan as a "cruel gimmick".
Questions this report answers
+What are Reform UK's plans for social housing?
Reform UK plans to prioritise British-born workers under 35 for social housing. They also intend to give preference to former military personnel and married couples with children. The party aims to build 50,000 affordable social homes annually.
+How does Reform UK plan to fund the new homes?
Reform UK claims that the construction of 50,000 affordable social homes annually will be funded without introducing new taxes or increasing government borrowing. Details on the funding mechanism are expected to be set out by the party.
+What percentage of social homes are occupied by UK or Irish nationals?
According to the English Housing Survey for 2024/25, UK or Irish nationals made up 88.5% of main social home householders. This means approximately 11.5% of main householders were not UK or Irish nationals.
+What is the Conservative Party's approach to social housing for foreign nationals?
The Conservative Party also plans to revoke the right of foreign nationals to social housing, though their policy would allow Irish citizens and some EU nationals to remain. They estimate this could free up around 230,000 homes.
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