73,000 homes for “strategic partners” but just 3.8% are council homes

by lcfch, posted in Labour government

The government has announced the first tranche of funding for its Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026-36, for "Strategic Partners". There has been much hyperbole and misinformation accompanying the announcement of the first funding for the government's Social & Affordable Homes Programme. The official Labour Party Twitter account said that “Labour is funding more than … Continue reading 73,000 homes for “strategic partners” but just 3.8% are council homes

Private funding is no solution to the housing crisis

by lcfch, posted in Housing crisis, Labour government

Andy Haldane is an (informal) economic advisor to the government. His view on how to resolve the housing crisis is, therefore, of greater importance than if it was just the opinion of a private individual. He has written an article published in the Financial Times, “How to fix the housing crisis”. His 'model' is essentially … Continue reading Private funding is no solution to the housing crisis

Here’s why we need to talk about council housing at this Labour Party conference

by lcfch, posted in Council Housing, Labour conference 2026, Labour government

Last year, the Conference Arrangements Committee ruled out all resolutions calling for urgent action to resolve the housing crisis. The CAC claimed that the resolutions submitted did not “relate to a new issue not substantially covered in the National Policy Forum report.” When it was pointed out to the CAC that there was no substantial … Continue reading Here’s why we need to talk about council housing at this Labour Party conference

Rent Controls & Council Housing Now – protest in Parliament Square

by lcfch, posted in Council Housing, Labour government, Rent Controls

Statement: Time to end the housing crisis Millions of us need to see the new Government's statements on council homes and support for renters turned into action. Our communities are experiencing severe disrepair, at the mercy of rogue landlords, others sent by councils across the country or with high rents leading to destitution.  We need … Continue reading Rent Controls & Council Housing Now – protest in Parliament Square

Letter to the Chancellor on cancelling Housing Revenue Account debt

by lcfch, posted in debt cancellatiom, Labour government

Dear John Congratulations on being appointed chancellor. You are now in a position where you can facilitate the improvement of existing homes, and the delivery of a new generation of council homes, that are so desperately needed to help resolve the housing crisis. I have taken the opportunity on behalf of the Labour Campaign for … Continue reading Letter to the Chancellor on cancelling Housing Revenue Account debt

“Extreme concentration” of house building

by lcfch, posted in Large volume house builders

The 'new-builds' website has produced a very useful 'Housing output Report 2026'. It draws on company results, NHBC (the leading provider of warranty and insurance for new homes) registration data, and industry analysis from the House Builders Federation. The top 10 house builders, by numbers built, produced approximately 81,600 homes in 2024/25, representing 55% of … Continue reading “Extreme concentration” of house building

Right to Buy sales nearly double in 2025/26

by lcfch, posted in Labour government, Right to Buy

Right to Buy sales of council homes in England nearly doubled in 2025/26 to 14,275. There were 7,520 sold in 2024/25. The Labour government reduced discounts to tenants to between £16,000 and £38,000 (see the regional breakdown). The deadline for applications under the much higher discounts was November 21st 2024. Applications made before that date … Continue reading Right to Buy sales nearly double in 2025/26

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation: a model for the rest of the country?

by lcfch, posted in Development Corporations, Stockport Council

According to i-paper journalist Victoria Spratt, the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation's regeneration scheme “is understood to be a model Burnham’s team are referring to in terms of how devolved planning and development might look.by combining public and private funding to build around 8,000 homes.” When Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham said: "Stockport has been a … Continue reading Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation: a model for the rest of the country?