Is Keir Starmer Delivering on His Promises for Change?

In December 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined his government's "plan for change," setting specific targets in areas such as housing, healthcare, living standards, and crime reduction. These pledges serve as "measurable milestones," designed to allow the public to track progress and hold the government accountable. BBC Verify examines how the government is progressing on these commitments one year on.

Last updated: 19 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of October 2025, the UK government is making strides towards fulfilling Prime Minister Starmer's ambitious commitments. However, progress remains mixed across various sectors. In housing, the government is currently falling short of its ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, while healthcare improvements are evident but still lag significantly behind the set benchmarks. Living standards are projected to rise marginally, but concerns remain about the overall growth rate. In terms of policing, plans to increase neighbourhood officers are underway, though the numbers show only a modest increase thus far.

Key takeaways

• Housing targets remain unmet, with current construction rates averaging over 200,000 homes annually.
• Healthcare improvements are underway, with 61.7% of patients seen within 18 weeks, but targets seem distant.
• Living standards are expected to improve, but at the slowest rate since the 1970s.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Keir Starmer's government took office in July 2024, there have been several key developments regarding the commitments made in December 2024:

• December 2024: Starmer unveils "plan for change" with specific targets for housing, healthcare, and living standards.
• July 2024: Labour assumes power with a focus on rebuilding public services and improving quality of life across the UK.
• March 2025: First major assessments of NHS waiting times show slight improvements, with 58.8% of patients seen within 18 weeks before Labour took office.
• October 2025: Latest figures report 61.7% of patients within 18 weeks; housing continues to lag at over 200,000 additions annually.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent data indicates that while the NHS has seen a slight improvement in patient wait times, the housing sector continues to struggle with targets. The government plans to ramp up construction efforts as it moves further into the Parliament, but current figures remain below expectations.

What was already established

Prior to Starmer's government, housing construction had already been a contentious issue, with targets often unmet. The previous Conservative government also struggled with NHS waiting times, with the last target of 92% of patients seen within 18 weeks being achieved in 2015. Living standards have been a longstanding concern, with recent forecasts indicating slow growth.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For consumers, the slow progress in housing development translates into continued pressures on the housing market, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer available homes. On the healthcare front, improvements are crucial for families facing long waits for medical procedures. Living standards, albeit expected to rise, may not keep pace with inflation, affecting disposable income.

Businesses and jobs

The construction sector has a direct correlation with job creation; however, the slow pace of new builds may impede growth opportunities. In the healthcare sector, staffing challenges persist, as the NHS grapples with increasing demand and workforce shortages, affecting the overall economy.

Policy and regulation

Starmer's government is focusing on legislative changes to facilitate housing development and healthcare reforms. Upcoming consultations and discussions with local authorities will be critical in shaping how these policies are implemented.

Numbers that matter

• 1.5 million: Target for new homes to be built by 2029.
• 300,000: Average annual target for housing development.
• 61.7%: Percentage of patients seen within 18 weeks as of October 2025.
• 68.3%: Proportion of five-year-olds ready to learn in 2024-25.
• 95%: Target for clean power by 2030.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Real Household Disposable Income (RHDI): The amount of money households have available for spending or saving after taxes and benefits, adjusted for inflation.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): A certificate that indicates the energy efficiency of a property, required for new builds and major renovations.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Follow updates on NHS waiting times and housing construction statistics as they are reported, particularly the annual figures released in November.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for quarterly updates on living standards and economic growth, as well as any policy changes affecting housing and healthcare.

Signals to watch

• Monthly NHS waiting list updates.
• Quarterly housing construction figures.
• Annual updates on RHDI and GDP per capita.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about local housing developments and NHS updates.
• Engage with community initiatives aimed at improving local services.

Don’t

• Ignore the implications of slow housing development on market conditions.
• Dismiss healthcare updates as irrelevant to personal health needs.

Checklist

• Check local housing statistics regularly.
• Follow government announcements related to healthcare reforms.
• Monitor personal financial health in light of changing living standards.
• Engage with local representatives about community needs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The government's ability to meet its ambitious targets faces several uncertainties. Economic fluctuations could hinder progress in housing and living standards. Additionally, unforeseen challenges in the NHS, such as staffing shortages or increased demand, could derail healthcare commitments. It is essential to remain cautious about projections, as they are subject to change based on political and economic conditions.

Bottom line

Keir Starmer's government is at a pivotal moment in its term, with significant challenges ahead in delivering on key promises made to the public. While there are signs of progress in some areas, the overall targets remain ambitious and require concerted effort to achieve. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether these commitments can translate into tangible improvements for the British public.

FAQs

What is the target for new homes in England?

The target set by Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the Parliament in 2029.

How is the government measuring healthcare wait times?

Healthcare wait times are measured by the percentage of patients seen within 18 weeks for treatment, with a target of 92% by the end of the Parliament.

What does RHDI stand for, and why is it important?

RHDI stands for Real Household Disposable Income, which is significant as it reflects the financial wellbeing of households after accounting for taxes and inflation.