Reform UK plans to put British-born workers first for social housing
The party says it would rank some British-born applicants ahead of others for council and social housing, drawing criticism from Labour and Shelter.
Reform UK said on Monday it would change social housing rules so British-born workers under 35 would be given priority, a proposal aimed at people the party says are being shut out of the system. The announcement was made in London by deputy leader Richard Tice and party chairman Lee Anderson.
The party said foreign-born UK citizens would be placed lower on waiting lists under the plan. Anderson argued that young people in his constituency and elsewhere have little realistic chance of getting council or social housing.
Labour dismissed the proposal as impractical and accused Reform of using divisive tactics. Shelter, the housing charity, said the idea was intended to deepen tensions and warned it could damage communities.
The pledge comes as housing shortages remain a major political issue in the UK, with demand for social homes far outstripping supply in many areas.
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