Housing Secretary Rayner told the BBC that there is a "slim chance" the government will achieve its manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million new homes, identifying rising construction costs and the war in Iran as factors undermining progress.
Challenges to the target
Rayner singled out high building costs as a key obstacle, and said the conflict in Iran was also putting pressure on the programme. She framed the combination of these pressures as threatening the feasibility of meeting the government's headline housing pledge.
Political implications
The admission is likely to increase scrutiny of ministers' ability to deliver on one of their central domestic promises. Falling short of the 1.5 million figure would represent a setback for the government's housing agenda and is expected to draw criticism from opponents and housing campaigners.
Next steps and outlook
Rayner's remarks came during a BBC interview in which she outlined the difficulties facing the housebuilding drive. Ministers will now face the task of responding to cost and geopolitical challenges if they are to revive momentum on the manifesto commitment.