Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, has indicated that the government is unlikely to meet its ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes before the next election, citing only a 'slim chance' of success. While the manifesto pledge remains in place, the focus has shifted towards building council houses, with a recent £10 billion investment aimed at increasing social and affordable housing.
Rayner noted that external factors, including inflation and rising construction costs, are impacting progress. The government plans to allocate funds for a mix of housing types, with a significant portion designated for social rented homes, while also exploring regulatory relaxations to facilitate private sector developments near transport hubs.