Target comments on Labour manifesto launch

13 June 2024

Katie Pender, managing director of Target, said: “Labour’s pledge to build 1.5m homes and prioritise brownfield sites for development are almost identical to those in the Conservative manifesto, although Labour has committed to reinstating mandatory housing targets for local authorities. But every Government in recent times has promised to build more homes and reform the planning system. Since 2019 at least, housebuilding targets have been missed.

“Meanwhile, first-time buyers are facing the toughest conditions seen in 70 years. Labour’s manifesto proposals do seem to offer this group some reasons for hope. Labour would give young people first dibs on new housing developments and help them get onto the property ladder by making permanent the comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers.

“The Labour manifesto is titled ‘Change’ and there is no doubt that the housing market urgently needs a genuine and fundamental overhaul. But the question is whether Labour’s changes go far enough or if this manifesto is playing it too safe.”