Daily Politics from the New Statesman Steve Reed's £7bn affordable housing fund | Exclusive interview
Nov 7, 2025
In an exclusive interview, Steve Reed, the British Housing Secretary, discusses a groundbreaking £7bn allocation aimed at creating social and affordable homes across six mayoral combined authorities. He highlights the severe challenges younger people face in homeownership and the need for council housing reform. Reed also addresses plans to abolish Section 21 evictions and urges for more social housing to alleviate pressure on private rents. He emphasizes the importance of tenant empowerment and local governance in improving housing conditions.
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Major New Funding For Social Housing
- The government is allocating £7bn to six mayoral combined authorities to build social and affordable homes.
- Steve Reed says this is the largest investment in social housing in a generation to tackle severe shortages.
Council Sales Caused Today's Shortage
- Thatcher-era sales of council housing drastically reduced social housing stock without replacement.
- Reed links that shrinkage to current rises in rough sleeping and temporary accommodation.
Housing Shortage Harms Families And Kids
- Homelessness outcomes worsened under the previous government, with rough sleeping and long stays in temporary accommodation both doubling.
- Reed emphasises the damaging effects on children and family life from prolonged temporary housing.