Keir Starmer on Social Housing
Keir Starmer has made the provision of social and affordable housing a key pillar of his government's domestic policy since taking office in mid-2024.
His government announced significant capital investment targeted at housing, specifically aiming to enhance the availability of affordable housing across the UK. This commitment signals a major shift from previous administrations, aligning with Labour's broader mission of national renewal and service to working people.
The plans are intertwined with proposals to reform the national planning system, a mechanism Starmer believes is necessary to speed up the delivery of high-quality infrastructure, including housing developments. These measures reflect a policy leaning towards state intervention to correct perceived market failures in the housing sector.
Context
Keir Starmer's focus on social housing is part of his wider repositioning of the Labour Party towards policies aimed at addressing what he terms the failures of the previous Conservative government. During his leadership bids and as Leader of the Opposition, Starmer signalled a move away from austerity and towards public investment.
As Prime Minister, his administration has set out specific financial commitments to address housing shortages, framing it as a key area where the state must intervene to provide stability and opportunity for working people.
Actions Taken
- Policy CommitmentAnnounced plans to undertake a programme to speed up the delivery of 'high quality infrastructure' and housing.
- Fiscal SpendingThe October 2024 budget allocated £5 billion for housing investment in the fiscal year 2025–26, with a focus on enhancing the availability of affordable housing.
- Fiscal SpendingThe June 2025 Spending Review allocated a total of £39 billion over a decade for social and affordable housing projects.