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Social Rented Housing: Construction

Asked by Kim JohnsonLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 4 December 2025UIN 94400

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it mandatory for all new housing development projects to ensure that 50% of the developed units are built for social rent, allowing the remaining 50% to be used for affordable or market-rate/luxury housing.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that local authorities should assess the size, type, and tenure of housing needed for different groups, including those who require affordable housing (including Social Rent), and reflect this in their planning policies.

This includes setting out the proportion and type of affordable housing that should be expected of new development, including the minimum proportion of Social Rent.

Policy requirements, particularly for affordable housing, should be set at a level that takes account of affordable housing and infrastructure needs and allows for the planned types of sites and development to be deliverable, without the need for further viability assessment at the decision-making stage.

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