Housing Hive: 8 Month Government Update Assessing Labour’s First Eight Months in Social Housing

Introduction

The Labour government is approaching eight months in office since winning the general election in July 2024. In our September Housing Hive, we explored what Labour’s housing commitments could mean for the sector. Now, as we over 200 days of their first year, we revisit those expectations and assess what has changed, what has been delivered, and where challenges remain.

This update reflects on Labour’s housing strategy, policy progress, and the current state of the sector, particularly for housing associations, councils, and digital transformation efforts.

What We Said in September 2024

During our September Housing Hive, along with guest speaker Rachel Williamson, Head of Policy & External Affairs at CIH, we identified several key Labour housing commitments:

• 1.5 million new homes over five years.
• Housing targets reinstated for local authorities.
• Council housing revolution to empower local authorities.
• Stronger renters' rights, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions.
• Awaab’s Law extended to private landlords.
• A long-term housing strategy to tackle affordability and supply.

We also highlighted the challenges Labour would face, including funding pressures, workforce capacity, and regulatory reforms that required sector-wide collaboration.

What Has Happened Since?

Housing Targets and Planning Reforms

Labour reaffirmed its 1.5 million homes target, but progress is slow due to planning constraints. Local housing targets have been reinstated, and a consultation on “new towns” is underway, yet major developments have not broken ground. The government has introduced legislation to accelerate compulsory purchase orders, aiming to fast-track land acquisition for housebuilding.

Source: The Guardian, BBC News

Renters’ Rights Bill: Progress and Delays

• The Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament, but Labour has faced pushback from private landlords.
• The abolition of Section 21 evictions has stalled, pending court system reforms to handle increased case loads.
• Awaab’s Law will be extended to private landlords, ensuring stronger housing condition standards.

Source: Inside Housing, The Guardian

Funding for Social Housing: Still Uncertain

• No significant new funding has been announced for social housing construction.
• The Spring Budget 2025 is expected to clarify Labour’s financial commitments.
• Emergency £200m fund announced to tackle homelessness, but long-term investment remains in question.

Source: Financial Times, Inside Housing

The Role of Housing Associations and Local Authorities

• Greater Manchester and West Midlands have received expanded housing powers under devolution agreements.
• Partnerships between housing associations and councils are being encouraged, but clarity on funding is needed to drive large-scale development.

Source: BBC News, Local Government Chronicle

Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation

• Rising homelessness is placing huge strain on councils, with record numbers of families in temporary accommodation.
• Labour’s Homelessness Task Force has been set up, but tangible results remain to be seen.

Source: The Independent, Inside Housing

Digital Transformation: What’s Next?

In September, we explored how digital tools could support housing reforms. Six months in, the need for technology-driven solutions remains strong:

• Predictive analytics for tenant needs is gaining interest but lacks widespread adoption.
• Digital complaints and repair systems are increasingly being used to improve service delivery.
• Smart home monitoring is being trialled to address damp and mould issues in social housing.

These solutions align with Labour’s focus on housing quality and tenant rights, but more sector-wide investment is needed.

Key Takeaways

✅ Progress in some areas:

• Housing remains a top government priority, with planning reforms in motion.
• Local housing targets reinstated, providing a clearer roadmap for development.
• Awaab’s Law extension confirms a commitment to quality housing.

⚠️ Challenges and delays:

• Section 21 eviction reforms stalled due to court backlog concerns.
• No clear funding strategy for large-scale social housing development yet.
• Homelessness crisis worsening, with Labour under pressure to act faster.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

1. Spring Budget 2025 (March) – Will Labour commit new funding to housing?
2. Renters’ Rights Bill progress – Will Section 21 finally be abolished?
3. First new town locations announced – Will large-scale development accelerate?
4. Local Authority and Housing Association collaboration – How will devolution impact housebuilding?

Labour’s first 217 days in government have laid the groundwork for major housing reform, but funding clarity and implementation challenges remain. The next six months will be critical in determining whether the ambitious housing targets can be met.

Next Housing Hive

Topic: Breaking Down Barriers to Digital Inclusion
Date: 27th February 2025, 11:00 AM

For further information or to contribute to future discussions, contact the Housing Hive team at Prodo.