Following a busy period of announcements for the sector over the last 18 months, including commitments set out in the Spring Statement and through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), it has been a relatively quiet start for Andy Burnham on the Housing policy front. This is perhaps to be expected given the scale of the reforms and funding commitments previously announced, and for many in the sector, a period of policy stability may prove more valuable than further intervention.

This insight outlines the developments in the first week of Andy Burnham’s government that are relevant to the Housing sector.

Social and Affordable Homes Programme

The most notable development, following Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister on Monday 20 July, is that his new administration will be consulted before final decisions are made on bids for the £39 billion SAHP. Speaking to MPs this week, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) official Will Garton confirmed that Burnham’s government would be consulted before final decisions are made on the programme. The move is significant given Burnham’s previous comments that he would like this funding to be targeted solely towards social rent housing.

While it remains unclear whether any major changes will be made to the programme’s allocation, the remarks suggest the new administration is likely to review how housing investment can best support its wider policy objectives.

Ministerial appointments

The government’s early housing appointments also point towards continuity coupled with a focus on delivery. Angela Rayner has returned as Housing Secretary, while Matthew Pennycook remains in post as Housing Minister. In media interviews, Rayner has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering 1.5 million homes and has ruled out introducing rent controls, providing some reassurance to housing providers seeking policy stability.

Rough sleeping

Alongside increasing housing supply, the new government has placed tackling homelessness at the centre of its agenda. In his first speech as Prime Minister, Burnham stated that his first instruction to government would be to end rough sleeping, a pledge that has been welcomed across the Housing sector. He signalled a stronger focus on building more council homes to help reduce welfare costs and support the government’s wider fiscal objectives.  

Conclusion

While these early signals point towards an increased emphasis on social and council housing, there remains relatively little detail on any major new housing policy initiatives. In many respects, that may be welcomed by housing associations, local authorities and investors, who have consistently called for long-term certainty over funding, regulation and development policy rather than frequent policy changes. The sector's immediate priority is arguably the effective delivery of the substantial commitments already made.

Capsticks’ view

The key question over the coming months will be whether the government maintains the balance between its social housing ambitions and the broader objective of increasing overall housing supply. In particular, the sector will be looking for reassurance that Burnham and his administration remain committed to the 1.5 million homes target, and whether any changes to the SAHP are designed to complement rather than constrain delivery. For now, there remains relatively little detail on any major new housing policy initiatives and the message appears to be one of continuity and stability – something that many across the Housing sector have been seeking for some time.

How Capsticks can help

If you have any queries around what's discussed in this article, and the impact on your organisation as a registered provider, please speak to Partner Darren Hooker and Associate Georgia Moon to find out more about how Capsticks can help.