Government unveils £39bn plan to deliver 70,000 new social and affordable homes

In a bid to tackle England's housing shortage, ministers disclosed that 70,000 new social and affordable dwellings will be constructed over the next ten years, funded by a £39bn national programme that ultimately aims for 300,000 homes. The first tranche directs money to regions including Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the North East and Liverpool, alongside a £6bn allocation for London, though the exact number of London homes was not specified.

About 60% of the new units will be rented at social rates, requiring applicants to meet stringent criteria. Housing charities praised the move but argued it remains insufficient, and the Conservative opposition described it as an "unfunded spending commitment." Prime Minister Andy Burnham stressed that no child should grow up in a hostel and that families should not wait a decade for a home, while Housing Secretary Angela Rayner pledged additional council funding and expertise to revive council-led construction. The announcement also referenced the broader target of 1.5 million homes by 2029, a goal that current delivery rates are unlikely to meet.