UK Government Allocates £10 Billion for 70,000 Affordable Homes

The Government of the United Kingdom announced an initial £10 billion investment from its 10-year Affordable Homes Programme to construct 70,000 homes outside London. Approximately 60% of these properties will be designated as social rented houses, while the remainder will support sheltered housing and shared ownership. This initiative is part of a larger objective to deliver 300,000 affordable homes over a decade.

Funding will be distributed among 33 strategic partners, including three local councils, which is a first for the program. An additional £6 billion has been earmarked for London, and £16 billion of the total budget remains unallocated. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner described the investment as a "once-in-a-generation" effort to reduce waiting lists and provide secure housing for families.

While the plan utilizes a mix of subsidized housing types, Andy Burnham had previously advocated for the entire £39 billion program to be dedicated exclusively to council homes. Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive of the charity Shelter, stated that the announcement puts councils back on the pitch in the fight to end homelessness.