Harold Macmillan

As housing minister from 1951, Macmillan organised a drive towards 300,000 homes a year, with council construction accounting for a large share. Government records show building reaching that pace in 1953. The achievement depended on local authorities, contractors and resources mobilised across the country. His example places delivery targets at the centre of housing policy, while leaving questions about tenure, standards and the needs of people still waiting for a home.