In this opinion piece, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sets out his vision for addressing the housing crisis through what he describes as a “politics of home”.

He reflects on the importance of stable housing in providing security and opportunity, contrasting this with the difficulties faced by many families across England after years of underinvestment and policy decisions that have reduced social housing stock.

Starmer argues that long-term structural failures, including the impact of Right to Buy and insufficient replacement building, have contributed to rising waiting lists, increased use of temporary accommodation, and growing pressure on housing support systems.

The article highlights official figures showing recent increases in council and affordable housing construction under the current government, including over 10,000 new council homes built in 2024–25 and around 65,000 affordable homes delivered in the same period.Of these, more than 12,000 are for social rent, representing a significant rise compared to previous years.Starmer also emphasises the scale of ongoing demand, with around 1.3 million households on waiting lists and over 175,000 children living in temporary accommodation.

To address these issues, the government proposes a £39 billion social and affordable homes programme aimed at boosting council housebuilding and accelerating delivery of new homes.Reforms to planning rules are intended to support the target of 1.5 million new homes during the current parliamentary term.

Additionally, changes to Right to Buy are proposed, including longer eligibility requirements, reduced discounts, and protections for newly built social housing for up to 35 years.

The piece also addresses housing insecurity faced by victims of domestic abuse, proposing legal changes to ensure perpetrators, rather than victims, are removed from homes.

Overall, Starmer presents the agenda as a long-term effort to rebuild social housing, improve stability, and ensure greater access to secure housing across the UK.