Rayner maintains 1.5 million homes target despite challenges
Angela Rayner has reaffirmed her commitment to delivering 1.5 million new homes, acknowledging the difficulty of the target in a Radio 4 interview where she compared the challenge to running a marathon in under five hours.
Speaking on the Today Programme, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “I’m going to keep the 1.5 million target, but it is like me saying that I’m going to run the London Marathon in under five hours. That would be a real challenge for me, but I’ll do it.”
She added: “I’m straight-talking; 1.5 million homes is a difficult target. I made the target. But I’m going to keep the target and I’m not going to be defeated.”
Policy background
The 1.5 million new homes target was initially announced by Labour in 2023 and subsequently included in the party’s 2024 General Election manifesto. The target represents a significant increase in housing delivery compared to recent construction rates, which have seen persistent stock shortages affecting buyer demand.
Rayner has returned to her previous cabinet role under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following her departure from Keir Starmer’s administration after admitting to a stamp duty payment error on a property purchase.
Market implications
Addressing her previous resignation, Rayner stated: “To triple check and get an expert tax lawyer on just about everything. That was a brutal lesson.” She confirmed that HMRC had exonerated her of attempting to avoid tax, describing it as “a complex niche area of tax”.
On rent controls, Rayner told BBC Breakfast that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is not considering their introduction in England. She stated that changes implemented through the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into effect in May, were “already having a significant impact on the market”.
The statement comes as the property sector continues to adapt to regulatory changes affecting both the buy-to-let market and new housing supply.
Delivery challenges
Rayner emphasised her determination to deliver on housing commitments, stating: “Time in Government is precious and it is a honour to serve. I’m coming back and have unfinished business. I will build those council houses we need.”
The government’s ability to meet the 1.5 million homes target will depend on planning reform implementation, construction sector capacity, and local authority cooperation in meeting regional housing allocations. Industry observers note that achieving this level of delivery would require sustained annual construction rates significantly above recent averages.
