Labour's Angela Rayner prioritises council housing to address housing crisis

Angela Rayner, the newly appointed Shadow Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Secretary, has affirmed that she is committed to placing council housing at the forefront of her reform agenda. This move is a part of the UK governments broader strategy to ease the demand in the private rental sector.

 how the levels of Council house building compare in the UK to other countries

To set this in a political, geographical context it is worth considering how the levels of Council house building compare in the UK to other countries.

The United Kingdom has historically built the council houses among governments worldwide. Council houses, also known as public or social housing, are homes owned and managed by local government authorities to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Council housing in the UK became prominent after the Housing Act of 1919, which aimed to address the post-World War I housing shortage. However, it was during the mid-20th century, particularly between the 1940s and 1970s, that the construction of council houses reached its peak.

The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Clement Attlee post war, implemented a significant council house-building program as part of its post-World War II reconstruction efforts. This period, known as the "post-war consensus," saw the construction of millions of council houses across the UK. The government's aim was to provide decent and affordable housing for all, particularly those who had suffered from inadequate housing conditions during the war.

However, in recent decades, the number of UK council houses built has declined significantly, primarily due to changes in housing policies and the increasing reliance on other forms of social housing, such as housing associations and private sector partnerships. The biggest challenge right now is that with private tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords driven out of the private rented sector by taxation, and, the greening agenda meaning the likelihoods of housing associations having money to build, given all the energy efficiency improvements they need to make, net housing supply is in a downward spiral and rents are rising beyond affordability.

In respect of house-building and the housing sector what is Labour policy in 2023? 

Rayner shared her personal experiences while addressing the TUC Congress. She talked about the crucial role that council housing played in her life as a young single mother, providing her with a secure and stable home. This allowed her to pursue employment and opportunities. She could enhance her skills through a local authority job and with assistance from a Sure Start centre. The Labour Party aims to build more affordable housing, focusing on council housing and ensuring that residents can access suitable, affordable homes. Rayner pointed out the significance of council housing, decent working conditions, and community empowerment as examples of genuine "levelling up."

Rayner contrasted these principles with the current government's levelling-up approach, which she criticised as ineffective. Rayner contended that the government's policies have led to a decline in house building and wages nationwide, undermining the true essence of levelling up. In her view, the government's efforts need to catch up. They are characterised by empty slogans and political gestures that fail to deliver tangible improvements in living standards and housing conditions. She also maintained that strong communities and sustainable local economies are built upon the foundation of good jobs and secure homes. She stressed that it is the Labour government's responsibility to establish and reinforce these foundations.

What did Labours Deputy Leader Angela Rayner say about Labour housing policy at the 2023 Labour Conference?

Angela Raynor announced that the next Labour Government would deliver the biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation with social and council housing at the heart of Labours secure homes plan. In comments ahead of her speech opening Labour Party Conference, Labours Shadow Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary said Labour would prevent developers wriggling out of their responsibilities, speeding up new social and affordable housing.

Rayner pledged that Labour would unlock government grants to deliver new homes by making the Affordable Housing Programme more flexible, freeing up money stuck in the pipeline. Rayner said Labour would give local authorities and housing associations stability for the long-term, so they have the confidence and security to invest in affordable, social and council housing stock.

The Chartered Institute welcomed Labours announcement for Housing (CIH) and the National Housing Federation (NHF) Rayner also mentioned her party’s comprehensive plan to generate quality employment opportunities throughout the country and enhance living standards via the New Deal for Working People. The Labour Party is committed to addressing the housing crisis by increasing affordable housing. They are particularly focused on council housing to ensure residents can access suitable and affordable homes.

What is labours vision for housing in the UK, what does it prioritise?

Angela Rayner's vision as the Shadow Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Secretary centres on prioritising council housing to reduce demand in the private rental sector. She wants the government to focus on providing secure housing, quality employment, and community empowerment. In her view, these are the essence of authentic levelling up.

In her evaluations of the government's current approach, she finds the effort needs to be better. There is an urgent need to introduce tangible improvements in living standards and housing conditions.

Why is Angela Rayner (Labour) highlighting council housing in her reform agenda?

Angela Rayner believes that council housing is a key element of real levelling up and can help reduce demand in the private rental sector. She draws from her own experiences to highlight its importance.

How does Angela Rayner (Labour) view the government's current levelling up approach?

Rayner criticised the government's approach, stating that it has resulted in declining house building and wages nationwide and is characterised by empty slogans and political gestures.

How does Angela Rayner (Labour) view the government's current levelling up approach?

How does Angela Rayner (Labour) view the government's current levelling up approach?

Rayner criticised the government's approach, stating that it has resulted in declining house building and wages nationwide and is characterised by empty slogans and political gestures.