The Green Party has been accused of blocking 42,000 new homes across Britain, including 13,000 social and affordable homes, amid a heated exchange over housing policy ahead of London's local elections. Housing Secretary Steve Reed made the claim in response to Green leader Zack Polanski's criticism of Labour's relationship with property developers.
Polanski launched the Green Party's London election campaign on Thursday by accusing Labour of prioritising 'luxury' flats with high service charges over social housing. He cited a dinner hosted by Reed where developers paid £2,000 per person, alleging a 'cosy' relationship with lobbyists.
Reed hit back, calling Polanski 'incredibly hypocritical' and highlighting the government's £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing. 'What are the Greens doing? They've so far opposed and blocked 42,000 new homes from being built,' he told the Evening Standard.
The row comes as new home starts in London have slumped 30%, with just 4,220 starts in the year to September 2025, down from 6,000. Completions fell 15% to 15,920 over the same period. The Greens hope to make significant gains, with a recent poll suggesting they could take control of nine councils.
Polanski expressed confidence in beating the party's 2023 record of 241 new councillors, but said he was 'not complacent'. Labour currently runs 21 of London's 32 boroughs but faces threats from both the Greens and Reform UK in the May 7 elections.
