Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has acknowledged that the government now has only a 'slim chance' of meeting its target of constructing 1.5 million new homes in England by the next election. Speaking on the challenges facing the housing sector, Rayner pointed to significant obstacles, including the ongoing Iran war and sharply rising construction costs, which have slowed progress toward the ambitious goal.
Despite the bleak assessment, Rayner stressed that the government remains committed to its housing strategy, with billions of pounds already allocated to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable homes. The investment, she said, reflects an unwillingness to abandon the target entirely, even as external pressures continue to hinder construction efforts. Data up to June 2026 shows the current pace of homebuilding remains insufficient to bridge the gap by 2029.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham separately pledged 'the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period,' though no specific timelines or funding details were provided. The announcement comes as the government faces mounting scrutiny over its ability to deliver on housing commitments amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.