First wave of Social and Affordable Homes Programme funding “to support delivery of 70,000 homes”

The Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) is a £39 billion investment programme over ten years. The programme has a target for at least 60% of homes delivered through it to be for social rent.

In this first wave, £9.58 billion is being allocated to 33 strategic partners outside of London, including housing associations and other providers.

According to the Government, this will support the delivery of 73,600 new social and affordable homes across England over the next ten years.

Councils will be awarded strategic partner status with Homes England, with around 60% of homes delivered through these partnerships expected to be for social rent.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “No child should be raised in a hostel room and no family should wait ten years for a front door of their own. I have said from my first day in this job that everything starts with a good home.

“Nearly £10 billion will go to councils and housing associations to build genuinely affordable homes, most of them for social rent, in the places where families are waiting longest.

“Councils built this country out of a housing crisis once before. Backed properly, and trusted to get on with it, they will do it again.”

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Families can’t be left raising children without a place to call home, and none of us should spend years waiting for somewhere safe and affordable to live. 

“I know how important fixing this is – because I’ve been there. A safe and secure home was the foundation for a better life - I couldn’t have got to where I have today without it. 

“That’s why the Prime Minister and I are doing everything we can to get councils building once again – it’s fundamental to turning the housing crisis around, helping families out of temporary accommodation and into a secure home.”

Responding to the Government's announcement, Cllr Liam Robinson, Chair of the LGA's Inclusive Growth Committee, said:  “Councils have long called for a sustained return to building genuinely affordable homes and stand ready to work with government to deliver a revival in social housebuilding.  

"The confirmed allocation of the first phase of the £39 billion fund and the increased Capacity to Build funding is positive step to achieving this ambition.  

"Given the key role for councils in delivering these homes, it is crucial they remain at the heart of delivery. Mayors should work closely with local authorities in their areas to achieve the most from this money, with councils also having sustained access to preferential borrowing rates to support viability." 

Harry Rodd