Tories 'scapegoating' migrants with 'British homes for British workers' plan

25 January 2024 , 16:25

583     0

Officials are reportedly considering the plan as Rishi Sunak attempts to sound tough on immigration (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A Tory proposal to give UK families higher priority for social housing has been branded "divisive and depressing" by campaigners.

Officials are reportedly considering a “British homes for British workers” scheme in a desperate effort to boost Rishi Sunak’s attempts to sound tough on immigration.

It comes as the Tories continue to trail Labour in the national polls and amid panic over losing votes to the right-wing Reform UK party - launched by Nigel Farage. According to The Guardian the government is planning to launch a consultation on the new proposals next month.

The plan may also be an attempt to shift blame for the housing emergency from the Conservatives' dire record with around 1.2million on the social housing waiting list.

The chief executive of housing charity Shelter, Polly Neate, described the scheme as "scapegoating at its worst", saying: "It's divisive and depressing - and I dread to think what's coming as the election gets closer". She added: "Not only does it ignore the fact that there are already stringent rules so only UK citizens or those with settled status can access homes for social rent, but it blames a group of people for a housing emergency that they did not create."

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

According to Shelter 21,600 social homes were either sold or demolished in 2021-22 while just 7,500 new homes were built - leading to a loss of 14,100 homes. Government figures from the same year also show 9 in 10 of the lead tenants in social homes are UK citizens.

The charity Crisis also hit out at the policy for "scapegoating" immigrants, saying: "To end the housing crisis we need proper solutions - not policies that exclude people from support when they need it most."

Campaign group the National Housing Federation added: "Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live. The housing crisis isn't caused by immigration - it's caused by years of underfunding and short-term policies for social housing. The way to solve this is a long-term plan for housing which addresses the severe shortage of social homes."

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “I’ve seen the speculation on this. I wouldn’t comment on the policy speculation. All I can point to is the 659,000 affordable homes built over recent years including 166,000 for affordable rent.”

Ashley Cowburn