Story perspectives

Burnham Unveils Devolution, Council Homes, and Rough Sleeping Plan

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to devolve power, build council homes and end rough sleeping.
Burnham said details will follow in weeks, with a ten-year plan later this year.
Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary, providing continuity for housing delivery and planning reform.
Industry groups said early signals are encouraging but urged delivery of housing, retrofit and SME support.

History

Historical Context

Decent Homes Standard, introduced in 2000 under Prime Minister Tony Blair, mandated that 95% of public housing meet quality benchmarks by 2010. The Department for Communities and Local Government allocated £10 billion to refurbish council estates, while London’s boroughs delivered 12,000 new homes annually. Today, Greater Manchester’s leader Andy Burnham proposes devolving planning authority and building council homes, echoing the 2000 drive, with Housing Secretary Angela Rayner overseeing implementation. If the ten-year plan matches past investment levels, the region could add 30,000 affordable units, reducing rough-sleeping and reshaping local governance.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to devolve power, build council homes and end rough sleeping.
Burnham said details will follow in weeks, with a ten-year plan later this year.
Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary, providing continuity for housing delivery and planning reform.
Industry groups said early signals are encouraging but urged delivery of housing, retrofit and SME support.

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