The UK government must massively expand social housing to address the housing crisis and provide security for all
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/keir-starmer. "A place where everyone has somewhere of their own, to thrive and feel safe – this will be my politics of home | Keir Starmer | The Guardian." June 1, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
Starmer argues that the UK needs to build way more council houses because the Conservatives sold off too many social homes and left people without stable places to live. He says his government will spend £39bn and change the rules to build more social housing while stopping the sell-off of existing homes.
Conclusion
The UK government should implement a comprehensive program of mass council housebuilding and social housing reform to ensure everyone has a secure place to live
Premises
- Years of Conservative rule created a housing crisis where many people lack stable homes, including children in temporary accommodation and families on waiting lists
- Social housing stock has been depleted faster than it's been replaced due to right-to-buy policies, with over 2 million homes sold since the 1980s and 40% now in private rental
- Current housing statistics show progress is possible - council housebuilding hit its highest level in 40 years with over 10,000 new homes and 65,000 affordable homes delivered
- The government's £39bn social and affordable homes programme with reformed right-to-buy rules will deliver mass council housebuilding while protecting existing stock
- Social housing provides essential security and stability for families, young people, and vulnerable populations who cannot access home ownership
Assumptions
- Government intervention in housing markets is necessary and effective
- Social housing is a legitimate and valuable form of housing provision, not inferior to private ownership
- The previous Conservative government's policies were ideologically motivated rather than evidence-based
- Increased public spending on housing will produce better outcomes than market-based solutions
- Housing security is a fundamental need that government should guarantee