Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has defended the Government’s housing policy record during questioning by MPs, rejecting claims that Labour lacked a comprehensive plan when entering office in 2024.
The minister’s appearance before the House of Commons Housing Select Committee follows recent comments by Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister’s former chief of staff, who admitted Labour had not made sufficient preparations for power ahead of the General Election.
Policy implementation
Pennycook told the committee: “We had a well thought-through, very detailed and comprehensive plan developed in opposition…and we have ruthlessly executed that over the past two years.”
The minister cited several policy initiatives as evidence of progress, including the Renters’ Rights Act, efforts to reform the leasehold system, planning system reforms, and the increase in new-build housing starts.
Construction figures
Pennycook stated that new-build starts have increased by 15% in the past year, which he attributed to government policy despite what he described as “incredible pressure on the housebuilding industry” from conflict in the Middle East.
However, the minister declined to confirm whether the Government remains on track to meet its target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. He stated that the Government should be judged on the number of completions, without providing specific projections.
Market implications
The lack of clarity on delivery targets comes as the property industry seeks concrete indicators of housing supply growth. Industry professionals have called for greater transparency on progress towards the Government’s housebuilding commitments, which remain central to addressing the UK’s housing shortage.
The minister’s comments suggest the Government will continue to prioritise housing delivery metrics, though questions remain about whether current construction rates will be sufficient to meet stated objectives within the parliamentary term.
