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
Category: Labour government
Private funding is no solution to the housing crisis
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
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
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
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
Right to Buy sales nearly double in 2025/26
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
Labour Must Learn to Love Democracy Again
Chris Hinchliff, MP writes In its dying days, the Starmer government is forcing through legislation that would demolish what remains of our democratic planning system. With thanks to Tribune An old quote still drifts around the legacy of Labour’s post-war Government: that it aimed to ‘tie so many knots’ in Britain’s architecture of power and … Continue reading Labour Must Learn to Love Democracy Again
Dear Angela
A letter to Angela Rayner highlighting the changes needed to the government's housing policy if the housing crisis is to be resolved. Dear Angela Congratulations on your appointment as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government. In a recent video you circulated, you said that the Prime Minister has given you three priorities, … Continue reading Dear Angela
Public funding is the means to build/acquire social rent council homes
Andy Burnham's speech in the Manchester People's History Museum, in which he said that a government led by him would carry out “the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period”, has raised hopes that if he becomes Prime Minister there would be a change of direction in the government's housing policy, with council … Continue reading Public funding is the means to build/acquire social rent council homes
Submission to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Council and Social Housing inquiry on the barriers to building and acquiring social rent council homes
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Council and Social Housing has launched an inquiry into obstacle to building and acquiring social rent council housing. This is our submission. The deadline has been extended to July 24th. Submissions should be sent to appgcash@shelter.org.uk . Summary Council housing is not a priority for the government. There is … Continue reading Submission to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Council and Social Housing inquiry on the barriers to building and acquiring social rent council homes
Labour Campaign for Council Housing 