Headline: Government Has ‘Slim Chance’ of Meeting 1.5 Million Homes Target

Date: 13 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Housing, Labour, Economy

Summary:

• Housing Secretary Angela Rayner says there is only a “slim chance” of meeting Labour’s 1.5 million homes target.

• Labour pledged to build 1.5 million homes in England by the end of the current Parliament.

• Meeting the target by summer 2029 would require an average of approximately 300,000 new homes annually.

• Rayner blamed pressures including the Iran war and rising construction costs for making the target increasingly difficult.

• She said the government would retain the target and continue investing billions in social and affordable housing.

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised the largest council housebuilding programme since the post-war period.

• Rayner said housing starts increased 15% last year, arguing government policies were beginning to make a difference.

• Previous planning reforms included changing green-belt development rules to increase the amount of land available for housing.

• High property prices, construction costs and labour shortages have also been identified as barriers to increasing housebuilding.

• Around 203,000 new homes were delivered in England during the 12 months to June 2026, below the required 300,000.

Why this matters: Increasing housing supply is a major government commitment intended to address affordability, shortages and demand for social housing.

What’s next: The government will continue pursuing planning reforms and housing investment, although significantly faster construction is required to meet its 2029 target.