Fri, 12 Sep 2025

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 We will build 1.5m homes, new housing secretary insists

Steve Reed tells the BBC the government is "absolutely committed" to the pledge, which was in Labour's election manifesto.
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to building 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029, with Housing Secretary Steve Reed stating that "it's what we're going to do". The target was a key promise in Labour's general election manifesto and Reed said he will work closely with developers to achieve it. However, industry leaders have warned of significant challenges ahead, including rising regulatory costs and taxes. Reed has threatened sanctions against developers who fail to build at pace and scale, but did not specify what these sanctions would entail. The Conservatives have accused Labour of being "anti-business" and unable to deliver on its housing promises. The government's pledge to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels by the end of the Parliament has also raised concerns about potential pressure on the housing market. Reed acknowledged that rising costs and regulatory pressures are significant challenges facing the industry, but said he is committed to finding solutions. He announced plans for an "acceleration package" aimed at speeding up planning applications and getting more houses built quickly.
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