Reform Prioritizes British-Born Young Workers for Social Housing
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Reform says it will prioritize British-born young workers for social housing
Image source: PA News
Published 15 minutes ago
Reform UK has announced it will give priority to British-born individuals under 35 when allocating social housing, should it form the government. Reform deputy leader Richard Tice will reveal plans to construct 50,000 affordable social homes annually during a news conference on Monday. The party claims this policy won't require new taxes or borrowing.
In addition to British-born residents, former military personnel and married couples with children will also be prioritized.
A Labour spokesperson criticized these plans, calling them "unserious and unworkable" and alleging that Reform is promoting "gimmicks and division" by targeting long-term UK residents who have contributed to the country.
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Reform previously proposed evicting foreign nationals from social housing, a plan criticized by housing charity Shelter. They argued that building more homes is the solution, not "changing the order of the queue" and "stoking division."
Tice will detail how Reform intends to fund the 50,000 affordable homes during Monday's news conference.
"It is time for us to prioritize young British workers, and that is what our policy is about," Tice stated on Sunday. "I have spent my entire career in property development, and I am confident we can break down barriers to help generation rent secure their place on the housing ladder."
According to the English Housing Survey, UK or Irish nationals comprised 88.5% of main social home householders in 2024/25. Reform estimates that approximately 540,000 social homes are currently occupied by foreign nationals.
Labour dismissed Reform's plans, asserting that social housing is already "tightly controlled." They emphasized that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and migrants on student or work visas are not eligible for social housing.
The Conservative Party, which also plans to revoke the right of foreign nationals to social housing, accused Reform of "trying to catch up" with their policies. They claimed their plan would free up around 230,000 homes by allowing Irish citizens and some EU nationals to remain in social housing.
Sir James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, added: "The Conservatives have already set out comprehensive plans to ensure British nationals are at the front of the queue for social housing. Now Reform are trying to catch up."
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Gideon Amos expressed skepticism, stating...