Housing secretary Steve Reed says his job should be “on the line” if the government fails to deliver its flagship pledge of building 1.5 million new homes in England – but leading experts warn the goal is unlikely to be met.
Speaking to BBC Panorama, Reed doubled down on the ambitious target, promising he would “absolutely” deliver. The scepticism will make the “celebration all the sweeter”, he added.
But industry figures are unconvinced.
“There is absolutely no way they’ll hit that target,” said Professor Paul Cheshire, a former economist at the London School of Economics and ex-government adviser on planning policy.
He criticised the lack of legal clarity around the grey belt – land that Labour needs to unlock development. “If the grey belt had been defined in a legally watertight way… then it would have been cut and dried and you could have built a lot of houses, but they didn’t do that,” he said.
Neil Jefferson, managing director of the Home Builders Federation, also expressed concern: “The 1.5 million figure is looking increasingly distant.”
He told Panorama that housebuilding is currently “flatlining” at around 200,000 new homes a year — far short of the 300,000 annual rate needed to meet the target.
The pledge to build 1.5 million homes by the end of the next Parliament — due to run until 2029 — was a central promise in Labour’s election manifesto.
“My job should be on the line if I fail to meet my target,” Reed said. “I expect to be held to account.”
BPF warns 1.5m new homes target at risk without tax reform and regulatory certainty
I saw the Panorama programme. No way can you guarantee to build so many homes , especially affordable ones unless the Government does it themselves. The Home Builders Federation director basically says they are not a charity and are in business to make a profit for their shareholders, at least that is honest.
All I can say Steve, is if you are also honest, is bon voyage. Its just a question of when you go, not if you go and join the list of ex housing ministers.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
So 17 housing ministers in 10 years so does he think he’s being brave.
Oddly housing doesn’t seem important to the government.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I saw that interview, and he knows he’s on a safe bet. He won’t be Housing Minister at the time. Someone other mug’s poison chalice, but at least they have their pension increased if they’ve been a minister, even if for only a few months, and can then claim a £17k ‘severance’ payment… Rayner?
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register