Reform UK proposes prioritizing British-born workers for social housing

Reform UK has unveiled a major social housing overhaul that proposes prioritizing British-born workers under 35, military veterans, and married couples with children for public housing. Deputy leader Richard Tice stated the policy aims to ensure social housing is used by those who have “done the right thing” and are working within their communities.

The party also plans to build 50,000 affordable homes annually, potentially funded by reintroducing a Right to Buy scheme and leveraging local government pension funds. Additionally, Reform chairman Lee Anderson suggested a strict code of conduct for tenants, stating that those who fail to maintain their homes or gardens to a reasonable standard could face eviction.

The proposals have drawn sharp criticism. The Labour Party described the plans as “unserious and unworkable,” arguing they would target long-term residents such as NHS staff and increase homelessness. Experts from the University of Oxford warned that prioritizing British-born citizens could breach the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and trigger trade disputes with the EU. Shelter, a housing charity, noted that the policy focuses on “changing the order of the queue” rather than addressing the fundamental need for more housing construction.