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Shadow Housing Secretary Criticises Government’s 1.5m Homes Target

Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly has described the government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes as “nonsense”. Cleverly argued that focusing on targets alone will not increase housing supply and called for more practical support for the businesses responsible for building new homes.

Speaking on the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) podcast, Cleverly said that simply repeating the 1.5 million homes target would not result in more homes being built. He emphasised the need for policymakers to support the construction sector and address the gap between political ambition and actual housing delivery.

Cleverly highlighted the importance of recognising and rewarding those who deliver new housing, rather than just discussing plans. He warned that housing targets will remain out of reach unless there is greater emphasis on skills, construction capacity, and support for the firms building new homes.

He also commented on the long-standing undervaluing of skilled trades in the UK, suggesting that this has contributed to labour shortages in the construction sector and hindered housebuilding efforts. Cleverly stated that society should attribute the same level of respect to people in the building trade as to those in the armed forces.

The shadow housing secretary outlined the Conservative Party’s plans to scrap stamp duty, describing it as a “drag anchor on the British economy” that affects both the finances and confidence of homebuyers. He noted that when people move home, they often undertake renovation work, which benefits small and medium-sized local building firms.

Cleverly also criticised recent increases to National Insurance, minimum wage thresholds, and employment rights, arguing that these measures have made it more expensive for small building firms to employ young people. He referenced a drop in payroll jobs since Labour took office.

Additionally, Cleverly expressed support for the FMB’s Licence to Build campaign, which calls for mandatory licensing of builders to tackle rogue traders and promote professionalism in the building trade.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, these discussions highlight ongoing challenges in housing delivery, skills shortages, and regulatory changes that may impact the supply and quality of rental properties in the UK.