Story perspectives

England Faces 119-Year Social-Housing Backlog, 1.3 M Waiting

6/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

At the current construction pace, it would take 119 years to clear England’s social-housing backlog, Shelter research shows.
England built 12,198 social homes last year, leaving 1.3 million households waiting, while annual construction fell 64 % over 15 years and temporary accommodation rose 155 %.
The £29 bn 2012 council debt is blamed for stalled building, while the government pledged 300,000 new homes, 60 % social rent, funded by a £39 bn programme.

1 of 1

Story summary

At the current construction pace, it would take 119 years to clear England’s social-housing backlog, Shelter research shows.
England built 12,198 social homes last year, leaving 1.3 million households waiting, while annual construction fell 64 % over 15 years and temporary accommodation rose 155 %.
The £29 bn 2012 council debt is blamed for stalled building, while the government pledged 300,000 new homes, 60 % social rent, funded by a £39 bn programme.