King’s Speech Promises to ‘Turbocharge Housebuilding’ and Abolish Section 21

In a landmark move, the new Labour government is poised to utilise the King’s Speech to introduce sweeping reforms aimed at revitalising the housing sector and protecting tenants' rights. The address, which will mark the state opening of parliament on Wednesday, is expected to herald the immediate abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and outline an ambitious agenda to significantly boost housebuilding.

The newly elected Labour government is committed to leveraging its electoral mandate to drive economic growth. A comprehensive package of over 35 bills is set to be unveiled, focusing on accelerating the construction of houses and infrastructure, improving transportation, creating jobs, and ensuring clean energy security. This initiative aligns with Labour’s manifesto promise to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

Newly appointed housing secretary Angela Rayner has vowed to deliver the “biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation” and spearhead “the next wave of social and council houses”. However, recent feedback from various trade and membership organisations has highlighted significant challenges. These bodies argue that achieving the government’s housing targets will be impossible without increased funding for social and affordable housing, citing ongoing project delays and cancellations due to financial pressures and uncertainty.

In a letter addressed to Ms Rayner, the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Housing, and the Local Government Association emphasised the detrimental impact of capped incomes, budget cuts, unfunded mandates, and escalating costs on housing associations’ and councils’ budgets. They called for decisive action to rectify years of policy instability and underfunding.

In response, the housing department has pledged the “biggest increase in social housing and affordable housebuilding in a generation”. This commitment is expected to be a cornerstone of the King’s Speech, reflecting the government’s determination to address the housing crisis head-on.

Additionally, The Times has reported that the King’s Speech will introduce a strengthened Renters (Reform) Bill. This legislation aims to immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, empowering tenants to challenge “unreasonable” rent increases. The bill is part of a broader effort to ensure fairer treatment and greater security for renters.

The government also plans to publish a consultation on reforming planning laws. This initiative will require councils to identify land necessary to meet future housing needs, facilitating more strategic and efficient housing development.

Furthermore, the government intends to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector. Initially revealed in February, Awaab’s Law mandates strict timelines for social landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould. This policy is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to mould in a social housing flat.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has underscored the urgency of these reforms. He stated, “Our work is urgent. There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term – and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the downpayment on that change.”

Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to delivering stability and growth across the UK, highlighting the importance of energy, planning, and fiscal responsibility in their strategy.

Beyond housing, the King’s Speech is expected to introduce a bill enforcing stringent new spending rules. This legislation will enhance the role of the Office for Budget Responsibility, ensuring significant fiscal announcements undergo proper scrutiny and taxpayers' money is used effectively.

The new government has received a warm welcome from the housing sector, with senior leaders and trade bodies expressing optimism and encouragement. However, they stress the necessity for swift action, asserting that “the time for talking is over, it’s time to build”.

As the Labour government prepares to implement its bold legislative agenda, the focus will be on translating these ambitious plans into tangible improvements in housing availability, tenant protection, and overall economic growth.