Mayors to get more power over social homes

Mayors outside London are to get more power over the government's affordable housing programme.

As part of the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, mayors will be able to prioritise indicative spending of £7 billion, split across six regions.

The initiative is aimed at bringing down record numbers of households stuck on social housing waiting lists and is expected to deliver at least 60 per cent social rent homes.

Mayors will work with Homes England to set the course of action for new affordable housing money in their regions.

Housing providers will be required to demonstrate how their bids align with local priorities, accelerating delivery of homes that genuinely meet local needs, ranging from specialist housing for older people to community-led projects.  

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Families have been trapped in so-called temporary accommodation for years or stuck on council waiting lists with no hope of a secure home.   

“We’re changing that for good with the biggest boost to social housebuilding in a generation and getting behind mayors who are ready to build affordable housing across their regions.  

“We’re also backing councils to build again and transform derelict sites into thriving neighbourhoods, urging them to go big, go bold and go build.”

Homes England Chief Executive Amy Rees CB said: “The importance of this funding cannot be underestimated in opening the door to thousands of new, affordable homes for communities across the country – and we will do everything in our power to ensure every penny of grant allocation helps deliver the right homes in the right places, at pace, for the people who need them. 

“Our team is incredibly proud and driven to help create a new generation of affordable and social rent homes, working alongside local leaders who know their communities best, and providers who have the expertise and commitment to deliver with our support.”