Reform UK Unveils Social Housing Overhaul Prioritising British-Born Youth
New policy aims to place British-born workers under 35 at front of queue, with veterans and married couples also prioritised amidst claims of fiscal neutrality.
Sarah Connor
Reform UK plans a significant overhaul of the social housing system, prioritising British-born youth over foreign nationals and asylum seekers.
Approximately 15% of the 1.3 million individuals currently on social housing waiting lists are foreign nationals; Reform UK previously committed to removing foreign nationals from social housing following a grace period.
Nigel Farage claims that under a Reform government, foreign nationals in social housing would receive a three-month grace period to relocate to private rented accommodation. Failure to comply would result in the loss of their right to remain in the country and potential deportation.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, claims over half a million social homes are currently occupied by foreign nationals.
Reform UK estimates 540,000 social homes are presently occupied by foreign nationals, a figure they claim their policy would free up.
It is time for us to prioritise young British workers, and that is what our policy is about.
Tice stated, "It is time for us to prioritise young British workers, and that is what our policy is about."
The proposed scheme is expected to be fiscally neutral, requiring no new taxes or borrowing, according to Reform UK.
Reform UK also plans to build 50,000 affordable social homes annually, a policy they claim will also require no new taxes or borrowing.
Tice, who has spent his career in property development, stated, "I have spent my entire career in property development, as a private citizen I have led companies which delivered thousands of new homes. In Government I will break down the barriers to getting generation rent onto the housing ladder."
A Labour spokesperson claims illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and migrants on student or work visas are not eligible for social housing; this is understood to be the current policy.
The Labour spokesperson further claims the Reform plan would target long-term UK residents who have contributed to the country but are not British citizens, including NHS staff.
James Cleverly stated, "The Conservatives have already set out comprehensive plans to ensure British nationals are at the front of the queue for social housing. Now Reform are trying to catch up."
Tice also highlighted the plight of young British individuals, stating, "Meanwhile, young British men and women, who are working hard, can’t afford to move out of their family home, and when they do often find themself sharing a house with strangers, with no realistic prospect of forming a family or getting on."