Government refuses to set target for affordable homes

The government has claimed, despite not setting a specific target for the number of affordable homes to be built, it remains committed to “delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”.

In answer to a written parliamentary question, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing Baroness Taylor of Stevenage claimed that the government’s £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme represents the largest investment in social housing ever.

However, the government has refused to set a figure for how many affordable homes it expects to deliver, instead leaving local planning authorities to determine housing need in their areas.

Government has not set an affordable housing target

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: “304,165 new affordable homes were delivered between April 2020 and March 2025. The government has not set an affordable housing target to date, but we are committed to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

“National planning policy makes clear that it is for local planning authorities to assess the affordable housing need of their areas, including the need for social rent, and set policies to meet this local need. This includes setting out the proportion and type of affordable housing that should be delivered on new development.

“Our new 10-year, £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme is the largest long-term investment in social and affordable housing in recent memory”.

Slashing affordable housing requirements

The news comes as last year the government announced new emergency measures to tackle London housebuilding targets by slashing affordable housing requirements to 20%.

Despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledging to build 88,000 homes a year, data shows only 3,950 new homes were completed in the first half of last year.

Under new powers, Mr Khan will be able to fast-track housing. This will include the ability to review and call in housing schemes of 50 homes or more where boroughs are minded to refuse. City Hall can also become the decision-maker for developments of 1,000sqm or more on green belt land.