Housing Secretary Steve Reed has publicly criticised the Green Party, accusing them of actively opposing housing developments across London, including schemes for social and affordable housing. Reed alleges that Green politicians have blocked plans for at least 49,000 homes in the capital, an accusation made despite the Green Party's vocal campaigns highlighting the severity of the UK's housing crisis.
The accusation from the Housing Secretary comes at a time when housing affordability remains a significant concern for many across the UK. Recent data from property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla indicates a complex picture for the housing market. While Rightmove reported a marginal 0.8% month-on-month rise in average asking prices in May, bringing the national average to £375,131, this figure remains 0.6% lower than the same period last year. Zoopla's latest figures also reflect a market still adjusting to economic conditions.
Regional variations continue to be pronounced. In London, the average asking price in May stood at £680,801, a 0.3% increase month-on-month but a 1.1% decrease year-on-year. Other areas, such as the North West, have seen stronger annual growth, with prices up 3.2% to an average of £240,680. These regional disparities underscore the differing pressures on housing supply and demand across the country.
Mortgage rates continue to be a key factor influencing buyer activity and affordability. While rates have stabilised somewhat since their peaks, the cost of borrowing remains significantly higher than in pre-pandemic years. This ongoing challenge affects both first-time buyers attempting to get onto the property ladder and existing homeowners looking to remortgage, contributing to a more cautious market environment. The availability of affordable and social housing is a critical aspect of the broader housing debate, with demand far outstripping supply in many areas.
The Green Party has not yet formally responded to Reed's specific claims regarding the number of homes opposed. However, their broader policy often advocates for community-led development, brownfield site prioritisation, and stronger environmental protections in new builds, which can sometimes lead to opposition to large-scale, conventional housing projects.