The UK government has officially launched its strategy for the Affordable Homes Programme, committing an initial £10bn toward housing development in England. Under the current policy framework, the government has set a target for 60% of these new homes to be designated as social housing. This move aligns with the broader housing strategy of the Starmer administration, which seeks to balance various forms of subsidized housing rather than focusing solely on one category.

In a notable shift, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has adjusted his public stance regarding the allocation of these funds. Previously, Burnham had advocated for a more aggressive approach, proposing that the entirety of the Affordable Homes Programme budget be directed toward the construction of social homes. Social homes typically require higher levels of government subsidy compared to other affordable housing models, making them more accessible to low-income tenants. By moving away from his initial demand to 'rip up' existing housing plans in favor of an all-social-housing model, Burnham has effectively aligned his position with the government’s current 60% target. The government maintains that this mixed-model approach is necessary to meet diverse housing needs across England, while critics of the shift argue that prioritizing social housing is essential to addressing the ongoing affordability crisis.