Local councils across England have expressed concerns that the government’s flagship plan to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years is “unrealistic” and “impossible to achieve.” The majority of councils, in a consultation conducted by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner’s department earlier this year, raised significant doubts about the feasibility of the targets, which rely heavily on local authorities adopting new housing targets for private developments.
While councils acknowledge the need for more housing, many argue that the targets set by the government do not account for local infrastructure limitations, land shortages, or the capacity of the planning system and construction industry. Responses from Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat councils alike highlight concerns about the new formula used to determine housing targets, with some areas, particularly rural ones, facing drastic increases in their annual housing quotas.
For example, rural West Lancashire, under the proposed changes, would see its housing target rise from 166 new homes to 605, a shift that the local council describes as “very challenging.” Similarly, in areas like Redcar and Cleveland, Burnley, and Westmorland and Furness, proposed targets could more than double, placing additional strain on local resources.
Councils such as Salford in Greater Manchester and Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire have warned that the new targets may be disconnected from actual housing needs. Salford’s mayor, Paul Dennett, emphasized that housing plans should focus on addressing homelessness and local demand rather than abstract population projections.
The government has promised to revise the plan before the end of the year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer views housebuilding as central to his economic growth agenda, but many councils worry that the new targets are not achievable, especially given the lack of capacity in local planning departments and the private sector’s ability to meet demand.
While some councils, like Oxford, see the new targets as ambitious but achievable, others are concerned that the new targets, based on current housing numbers, fail to reflect local conditions. Oxford’s council, for example, would be required to build 24,000 homes, but it is uncertain if neighboring councils will share the responsibility for accommodating the additional homes.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook recently clarified that the government would not impose strict national annual targets, but the government’s broader aim remains the construction of 1.5 million homes. Critics, including the Local Government Association, have called for more support and flexibility, suggesting that local knowledge must play a central role in determining realistic housing goals.
The government has defended its plans, claiming that building these homes is critical to addressing the housing crisis. However, local councils remain divided on whether the targets are achievable without additional support.