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UK Mayors Gain Control Over £39 Billion Housing Initiative

11/9/2025

39 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The UK government will give mayors outside London increased control of the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, including managing £7 billion for affordable housing.
The initiative aims to deliver at least 180,000 social rent homes across England.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the £1.8 billion for Greater Manchester and £1.7 billion for the West Midlands as essential funding.
Bidding will officially open in February 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Housing Act of 1980 revolutionized public housing in the UK by introducing the Right to Buy scheme, enabling tenants to purchase over 1.5 million council homes by 1990. This shift significantly impacted local housing markets. Today, a £39 billion initiative aims to address ongoing housing shortages, particularly in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, with plans for 180,000 new social rent homes.

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Story summary

The UK government will give mayors outside London increased control of the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, including managing £7 billion for affordable housing.
The initiative aims to deliver at least 180,000 social rent homes across England.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the £1.8 billion for Greater Manchester and £1.7 billion for the West Midlands as essential funding.
Bidding will officially open in February 2026.

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