- Angela Rayner, the newly appointed housing minister under prime minister Andy Burnham, has indicated that Labour's manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes over five years is a "really difficult challenge," though she maintains she is not abandoning the commitment.
- Rayner likened the ambitious housebuilding target to running a marathon, explaining that "houses don't go up in five minutes" and that the goal, already challenging when made two years ago, is now even "more challenging" due to increased construction costs and other factors.
- Current housebuilding figures show that England saw 208,600 new homes built in 2024/25, a 6 per cent fall on the previous year, and approximately 392,400 net additional homes have been delivered since Labour entered government in July 2024, falling short of the rate needed to meet the 1.5 million target by 2029.
- Despite the significant hurdles, Rayner expressed defiance, stating she would "fight like hell" to achieve the target, while the housebuilding industry warns that stronger consumer confidence, lower mortgage costs, and healthier construction sector balance sheets are crucial for success.
- Separately, Rayner ruled out introducing rent controls or freezes to help with the cost of living, a stance that differs from Prime Minister Andy Burnham's previous consideration of such measures three years ago, with Rayner citing the subsequent implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.
IN FULL
