Reform UK to prioritise UK-born couples in social housing overhaul
The party’s new proposal would place foreign-born citizens lower on waiting lists, with a specific focus on young married couples under 35.
Reform UK is set to announce a proposal on Monday to prioritise British citizens born in the UK for social housing, specifically favouring young married couples under 35 with children. The policy, to be detailed at a press conference in London, would place foreign-born UK citizens lower on waiting lists, distinguishing them from non-citizens who were previously targeted for exclusion.
Deputy leader Richard Tice stated the policy aims to prioritise young British workers, noting that 1.3 million people are currently on waiting lists. He claimed that over half a million social homes are occupied by foreign nationals and that the vast majority of those waiting do not have jobs. Tice argued that young British men and women are struggling to afford private accommodation, often leading to shared housing with strangers and limited prospects for family formation.
The party plans to build 50,000 socially affordable homes annually, a significant increase from the 18,000 homes per year promised by the current Labour government. Reform UK asserts the scheme will be funded without extra borrowing or taxation, although it has not provided further details on the specific funding mechanism. The Labour government’s comparable plan is financed by a £39bn affordable housing scheme, 60% of which is allocated to social homes.
Officials indicated that new legislation would be required to implement the rules without breaching existing laws. Exemptions are planned for foreign-born Britons who were born while their British parents were temporarily overseas. Veterans would also receive preferential treatment, although soldiers, veterans, and their families are already given priority under existing government policy.
Critics have raised concerns about the impact on families and long-term residents. Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the charity Shelter, argued that prioritising nationality and employment over housing need could disrupt thousands of families and put those escaping domestic abuse at risk. She warned that the plans could leave more families trapped in temporary accommodation for years.
A Labour Party spokesperson stated that the policy would target long-term UK residents who are not British citizens, including NHS staff. The spokesperson noted that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and those on student or work visas are already ineligible for social housing under current rules.
