Reform UK to prioritize British-born for social housing, sparking debate

Reform UK intends to prioritize young British workers for social housing, a policy that could lead to the eviction of foreign nationals. Party leader Richard Tice stated that the focus will be on "our young people" and "young British workers," aiming to break down barriers for renters.

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It is time for us to prioritise young British workers, and that is what our policy is about.

Tice, who has a background in property development, plans to outline how the party would fund 50,000 affordable homes. He emphasized a commitment to "get Britain building" and provide homes for the younger generation. Official figures from the English Housing Survey in 2024/25 indicate that 88.5% of main social home householders were UK or Irish nationals, leaving approximately 11.5% occupied by non-UK or Irish nationals.

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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.

Reform estimates that 540,000 social homes are occupied by foreign nationals. However, the Labour party has dismissed Reform's plans, asserting that social housing is already strictly managed and that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and those on student or work visas are ineligible. Labour argues that Reform's policy would negatively impact long-term UK residents who are not British citizens, potentially increasing homelessness and the use of temporary accommodation at taxpayer expense.

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It would leave more families at risk of homelessness and drive up use of temporary accommodation at the taxpayers' expense. It would also mean renegotiations with the EU, resulting in years of wrangling.

The Conservative Party also criticized Reform's proposal, accusing them of attempting to replicate their own policies. The Tories have stated their plan would free up around 230,000 homes, while still allowing Irish citizens and some EU nationals to remain in social housing. Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly remarked that the Conservatives have already presented plans to ensure British nationals are prioritized.

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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.