Housing policies

Policy: Guarantee priority access to social housing for UK military veterans and key frontline workers.

• Local allocation quota (10–15%) within council housing for veterans
• Fast-track applications with a maximum 8-week decision timeline
• Transparent 'local service priority' points system so residents see fairness in allocation

Policy: Aggressively convert underused public land and airspace into housing, community space, or opportunities for growth.

• Audit all unused council-owned land, garages, rooftops, and brownfield sites within 6 months
• Launch a 'Build Above' scheme: modular homes on top of existing council buildings and garages
• Fast-track planning (under 12 weeks) for pre-approved modular/container housing designs
• Joint ventures with private investors where the council retains long-term ownership or revenue share

Policy: Prioritise long-term Hackney residents in social housing allocation.

• Minimum residency requirement (6 years) for highest priority bands
• Increased weighting for long-term local residency, local employment, and family/community ties
• Publish a clear, transparent allocation dashboard so residents understand decisions
• Crack down on housing fraud and subletting abuse with stronger enforcement

Policy: Rapidly increase housing supply while discouraging misuse of housing stock.

• Build or enable 1,000+ new homes over 5 years
• Use modular builds to deliver homes faster and cheaper
• Open up contracts to SME developers, not just large firms
• Lobby for planning reform to reduce delays and bureaucracy

Policy: Launch a borough-wide review to ensure all physically disabled residents are living in homes that meet their needs — and upgrade those that don't.

• Full audit within 12 months of council housing occupied by residents with physical disabilities
• Fast-track adaptation fund for step-free access, wet rooms and accessible bathrooms
• Wider doorways and mobility access where needed
• Smart home assistive technology where it makes a real difference
• Maximum 6–8 week turnaround for essential home adaptations

Policy: Unlock and promote high-quality co-living developments to increase affordable rental supply without compromising living standards.

• Fast-track planning approval for co-living schemes (≤ 60 days)
• Introduce clear quality standards (minimum private space, shared amenities, safety)
• Incentivise developers with reduced fees where affordability thresholds are met