Reform UK has proposed a policy that would allow for the eviction of social housing tenants who fail to maintain their homes to a "reasonable standard." The party's chairman and chief whip, Lee Anderson, suggested that tenants could be removed if they do not keep their properties, including mowing lawns or taking out bins, in good condition. These comments were made as Reform unveiled its broader plan to construct 50,000 new social homes each year, prioritizing British-born workers.
Reform's policy document indicates that "strict criteria" for the maintenance of these new homes will be introduced, with "evictions required for repeated breaches of standards." Anderson defended the proposal by questioning why taxpayers should subsidize housing for individuals who do not maintain it, citing instances of neglect such as overgrown weeds and unemptied bins. He referenced post-World War II policies where tenants were given opportunities to maintain their properties, facing eviction if they did not comply.
Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice, stated that the initiative would be funded partly by reinstating the "Right to Buy" policy, offering larger discounts on council homes based on tenancy duration. The proceeds from selling these homes would be reinvested into building new affordable housing, with a goal of constructing two new homes for every one sold. Tice noted the success of similar policies in the 1980s and 1990s, arguing that the previous mistake was not building enough new homes.
Additional funding for Reform's housing plan is expected to come from a British Sovereign Wealth Fund and increased debt levels for housing associations. The party also indicated it would explore utilizing empty military housing for homeless veterans.
The proposals have drawn criticism from rival political parties. Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly called the announcement "unfunded" and suggested Reform's figures do not add up. A Labour spokesperson dismissed the plans as "unworkable and unserious," accusing Reform of attempting to distract from other controversies.
In parallel, the Labour party announced its own housing initiative, pledging £10 billion for councils and housing associations to construct affordable homes. This funding is part of Labour's broader £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. The proposed allocation includes significant sums for various mayoral areas and 33 "Strategic Partners," comprising councils, housing associations, and other providers. The Greater London Authority plans to contribute an additional £6 billion for council homes in the capital.
A Reform UK spokesperson reiterated that expecting tenants of taxpayer-subsidized homes to maintain them is not unreasonable, stating that "the British public should not be rewarding persistent neglect."