Reform UK Proposes Prioritising Married Couples and British-Born Workers for Social Housing

Reform UK Priortises British-Born Workers and Married Families in New Housing Push

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice defended his party’s new social housing policy on Monday, stating that couples with children should be married in an ideal world.

The proposed social housing framework changes how council properties are allocated across the country. This follows a prior pledge by Reform UK to remove foreign nationals from social housing, a measure the party contends will free up 540,000 homes.

Times Radio Interview Confirms Allocation Preferences

When asked by Times Radio whether the guidelines would ensure a married British couple receives priority over a single British person, Mr Tice confirmed the preference.

“Yes, that is the preference. Well, because actually they’re doing the right thing. Families are a good thing. Having British children, British-born children is a good thing.”

Mr Tice added that it has been a natural, normal practice over centuries for people to marry, have children, and contribute to their communities, asserting that everything the party is doing focuses solely on that objective. Pressed on whether single individuals might also raise children, Mr Tice acknowledged that life does not always work out, but maintained that children in married families perform well at school and that the arrangement is “surely preferable.” Mr Tice outlined the policy alongside a press conference held on Monday.

Shelter Warns of Risks to Vulnerable Families and Domestic Abuse Survivors

The proposals drew sharp condemnation from housing charities and political opponents. Shelter chief executive Sarah Elliott warned that the strategy could leave vulnerable families stranded in temporary accommodation and endanger individuals fleeing domestic abuse.

She added that the plans are designed to stoke division and would put those escaping domestic abuse at serious risk of harm.

Labour Party Condemns Announcement Amid Internal Scandal Criticism

The Labour Party also criticized the announcement. A Labour spokesperson characterized the policy as a desperate attempt to shift public attention away from Reform UK’s internal scandals and sleaze, noting that access to social housing is already strictly regulated and that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and temporary visa holders are ineligible for council housing.