Nigel Farage has vowed to ban foreign nationals from accessing social housing if his party wins the upcoming Makerfield by-election. The Reform UK leader made the pledge during a campaign stop in the North West constituency, framing the policy as a measure to prioritise British citizens for state-subsidised housing.
Policy Details
Under the proposed plan, only British citizens and permanent residents would be eligible for social housing. Farage argued that the current system is unfair to local families who have waited years for homes. He claimed that foreign nationals, including asylum seekers and migrants on temporary visas, should not be entitled to publicly funded accommodation.
“We have a housing crisis, and British people are being pushed to the back of the queue,” Farage said. “It is time to put our own citizens first.” The policy would apply to new applicants, while existing tenants would not be affected.
Reaction and Context
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from housing charities and opposition parties. Shelter called the proposal “divisive and impractical,” noting that foreign nationals make up a tiny fraction of social housing tenants. Labour accused Farage of stoking xenophobia to win votes.
The Makerfield by-election, triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue, is seen as a key test for Reform UK. The party is hoping to capitalise on discontent with the main parties. Farage’s housing pledge follows similar rhetoric on immigration and welfare, which he has used to build support in working-class areas.
Political analysts say the policy is unlikely to become law but could influence the debate on housing and immigration. The by-election is scheduled for July 15.
