This week's most discussed story on Pollitix was the government's response to the UK housing crisis, after new ONS data confirmed rents across England have risen 11% in the past twelve months — the sharpest annual increase since records began.

The figures triggered fierce parliamentary exchanges, with the Conservatives accusing Labour of failing to meet their pledge of 1.5 million new homes, while Reform UK used the data to push its case for a cap on landlord rent increases. The Green Party, meanwhile, demanded immediate rent controls and a major expansion of council housing.

On Pollitix this week, over 34,000 users joined debates on housing policy — making it our most discussed topic for the third week running. A clear majority (67%) said they believe housing should be a fundamental right enshrined in law.