The government is set to announce a new initiative on Sunday aimed at constructing 12 towns across England as a response to the housing crisis. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is scheduled to introduce this initiative at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has characterized the proposals as a step toward “national renewal.”
This announcement coincides with the release of a report by a newly established taskforce on new towns, which offers recommendations for additional developments across the country. The Labour Party intends to frame these proposals as a strategic alternative to what they perceive as ineffective political solutions.
Reed will highlight that this initiative is inspired by the post-World War II Labour government’s housing boom, which saw the construction of over one million homes between 1945 and 1951. While the new towns initiative will rely on a combination of public and private funding, the total anticipated budget remains unspecified. According to the taskforce, the new towns could potentially provide up to 300,000 homes over the coming decades.
Reed, who recently assumed his role as housing secretary, emphasized the need to restore home ownership for many families. He stated that the current government will actively work to eliminate barriers preventing access to secure housing. He also referenced the historical context of building new towns to support communities and provide homes for diverse family structures.
Proposed locations for these new towns include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in north London, and Leeds South Bank, though definitive decisions are still pending. Each new town is projected to have a minimum of 10,000 residential units, complete with essential services such as GP surgeries, schools, green spaces, and transport links. Additionally, the taskforce has suggested that around 40% of these homes should be affordable, with 20% designated for social housing.
Research indicates that Britain is currently facing a shortfall of approximately 4.3 million homes, with many individuals living in temporary accommodation. Labour has committed to constructing 1.5 million new homes before the next general election, though there are concerns regarding the feasibility of this target.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/27/plan-to-build-12-new-towns-in-england-to-be-unveiled-at-labour-conference