Andy Burnham has adjusted his previous proposal to dedicate the government's housing plans entirely to social home building. Ministers announced on Monday plans to spend an initial £10bn from the 10-year Affordable Homes Programme on a mix of subsidised housing types in England, aligning with the Starmer government’s policy.
Burnham had previously advocated for the programme to be spent solely on social homes. Under the plans announced on Monday, £10bn will help build 70,000 homes outside London, with about 60% designated as social rented houses. The remaining homes will include shared ownership schemes and sheltered housing.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated that the investment would help the government move closer to its goal of building 300,000 affordable homes over the next decade. Officials have indicated that another £16bn is yet to be allocated, with social rent homes and council houses to be prioritised in future funding rounds.