A major housing shake-up could be on the way under Andy Burnham’s new Government.
His early decisions offer clues about what could change for homebuyers, renters and communities across Britain.
The Prime Minister has promised to expand council housing, improve affordability and give local areas greater control over development.
Property expert Michael Davie of PureBuilt said Mr Burnham’s record in Greater Manchester, combined with Angela Rayner’s return to the housing brief, provides an indication of the Government’s possible direction.
He identified increasing housing supply, planning reform and regeneration as three priorities ministers should address.
Mr Davie said: “Unlike many incoming Prime Ministers, Andy Burnham arrives in Downing Street with a substantial track record on housing.”
During his time as Greater Manchester mayor, Mr Burnham placed housing within a wider strategy covering economic growth, regeneration and community development.
Mr Davie added: “His first speech as Prime Minister suggested many of those themes will remain important at a national level, particularly his references to council housing, affordability and empowering local communities.”
Ms Rayner’s return to the housing brief also suggests there could be continuity in the Government’s approach.
Mr Davie said: “The reappointment of Angela Rayner as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government adds another interesting layer because it suggests there could be continuity around some of the housing challenges the government has already identified.”
Increasing the number of available homes will be one of the central challenges. Mr Davie said shortages in many parts of the country continued to put pressure on affordability.
He said: “Increasing supply has to remain a central focus if the government wants to improve access to housing over the long term.”
Planning reform is another area likely to receive attention. Mr Davie said making the system faster and more predictable could help developers proceed with projects and encourage investment.
“Developers, contractors and local authorities all benefit from planning systems that are efficient and predictable,” he said. “Reducing delays and creating greater certainty would help unlock development and encourage investment.”
However, he argued that ministers should not focus exclusively on constructing homes. New developments also require transport links, public spaces, infrastructure and investment in town centres.
Mr Davie said: “Housing policy is often most effective when it forms part of a wider regeneration strategy.”
He cautioned that the success of any reforms would not become clear immediately, because meaningful improvements to housing supply and affordability can take years.
“The challenge for any government is balancing the need for immediate action with long-term delivery,” he said.
Mr Davie concluded that the property sector would judge the Government on results rather than its early promises.
“The sector will judge success on whether more homes are actually delivered and whether affordability improves for people across the country,” he said.
This structure better fulfils the headline because it tells readers what the potential shake-up means, rather than repeatedly signalling that one may happen.
