Key facts
- Reform UK plans to make foreign-born citizens wait longer for social housing.
- The policy prioritizes UK-born citizens, young married couples with children, and veterans.
- Some foreign-born Britons, such as those born while parents were temporarily overseas, would be exempt.
- Experts warn the plans could negatively impact vulnerable populations and disrupt families.
- Labour criticized the proposal, stating it would affect long-term UK residents who contribute to the country.
- Reform UK also committed to building 50,000 socially affordable homes per year.
Reform UK is set to announce a new policy that would place foreign-born British citizens lower on the social housing waiting list. The proposal, to be unveiled at a press conference in London, aims to give priority to individuals born in the UK, young married couples with children, and veterans. The party stated that while some foreign-born Britons would be exempt, the policy is designed to prioritize those born in the UK.
Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, highlighted the current housing waiting list and the number of social homes occupied by foreign nationals, arguing for the prioritization of young British workers. He stated that many young Britons struggle to afford independent housing. The party's previous proposals included barring foreign nationals from social housing altogether, with existing occupants given a deadline to find private accommodation or face deportation.
Experts and charities have raised concerns about the potential impact of such policies. Sarah Elliott, CEO of Shelter, warned that the plans could disrupt families, divide communities, and increase homelessness by prioritizing nationality and employment over urgent housing needs. A Labour spokesperson criticized the proposal, suggesting it would target long-term UK residents who contribute to the country, including essential workers like NHS staff, while noting that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and those on student or work visas are already ineligible for social housing.
Reform UK also pledged to significantly increase the construction of socially affordable homes, aiming for 50,000 per year, a substantial rise from the government's current average target. The party claims its housing plans would be funded without additional borrowing or taxation, though specific details on funding sources were not provided.