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UK Government Slashes Affordable Housing Requirement Amid Crisis

10/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Labour government, led by Housing Secretary Steve Reed, plans to cut the affordable-homes requirement in new developments from 35% to 20%.
A memo reveals this shift benefits property developers and reduces affordable housing obligations.
Despite promises of 1.5 million new homes, only 3,248 units have begun construction this year.
London faced hardship with over 13,000 people sleeping rough in 2024-25 and 73,000 households in temporary accommodation.

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Story summary

The Labour government, led by Housing Secretary Steve Reed, plans to cut the affordable-homes requirement in new developments from 35% to 20%.
A memo reveals this shift benefits property developers and reduces affordable housing obligations.
Despite promises of 1.5 million new homes, only 3,248 units have begun construction this year.
London faced hardship with over 13,000 people sleeping rough in 2024-25 and 73,000 households in temporary accommodation.