Keir Starmer Unveils Ambitious Plan for New Towns and Affordable Housing
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a bold plan to tackle Britain’s housing crisis, promising the most extensive homebuilding effort since the post-World War II era. The initiative includes the creation of several new towns across England, aiming to provide much-needed housing for families and first-time buyers.
Taking inspiration from the Labour government of the late 1940s, which built new towns to address housing shortages, this new plan sets an ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Each town is expected to accommodate around 10,000 homes, with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and strong community infrastructure.
“We are using every tool available to deliver the homes people need,” Starmer said while visiting a housing development. “We’re cutting through the obstacles, changing the ‘no’ culture, and making way for a new wave of thriving towns.”
The government is currently considering over 100 locations for these developments, ensuring they include essential services like schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport links.
For years, Britain has struggled with a housing shortage, leaving many young people unable to afford homes due to soaring prices and limited supply. Experts estimate that at least 300,000 homes need to be built annually in England to meet demand—a target that has been difficult to achieve.
Starmer’s government has already begun making changes to planning laws, aiming to streamline approval processes and clear roadblocks that have hindered development.
His approach draws comparisons to Clement Attlee’s Labour government (1945-1951), which not only introduced the National Health Service (NHS) but also spearheaded new town projects that shaped Britain’s urban landscape, including the well-known Milton Keynes.
With this initiative, Starmer hopes to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that homeownership becomes a real possibility for more people across the country.