Thousands more social homes promised as government launches £39bn housing programme

Families stuck on housing waiting lists or living in temporary accommodation could benefit from a major new programme to build more social and affordable homes.

The government has announced the first wave of funding from its £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme, with almost £10bn being allocated to councils, housing associations and other housing providers.

The aim is to help build more than 70,000 homes across England, with around 60% expected to be available for social rent.

For families struggling with high rents and the cost of living, that could eventually mean more affordable and secure places to live.

What is the government announcing?

The £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme will run for ten years.

The first major funding allocation is worth £9.58bn and will support 33 strategic partners outside London to deliver around 73,600 new social and affordable homes over the lifetime of their programmes.

Social rent homes are particularly important for people on lower incomes.

They are usually provided by councils or housing associations, with rents set below typical private market levels.

The government says at least 60% of the homes delivered through the wider programme should be for social rent.

That matters because housing costs can take a huge chunk of a household's income.

For families already struggling to pay for food, energy and other essentials, a lower rent can make a significant difference to the amount of money left over each month.

Why does this matter?

There are currently almost 180,000 children living without a permanent home in England, according to the government.

Many families are either living in temporary accommodation or waiting for a suitable social home to become available.

At the same time, private rents remain a major financial pressure for households on low and middle incomes.

The government's plans are designed to increase the supply of homes that families can afford, while also giving councils a bigger role in building them.

This is significant because council housebuilding has fallen dramatically compared with previous decades.

The government says the programme could help deliver the biggest expansion of council housing in decades.

Where will the new homes be built?

The funding will be spread across England, although the government has so far provided specific figures for six Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities outside London.

These figures are estimated strategic partnership spending rather than a promise that every home will be built immediately.

Four newer mayoral authorities - Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, East Midlands, West of England, and York and North Yorkshire - will also be able to help set the strategic direction for housing investment in their areas.

London is being dealt with separately.

The Greater London Authority intends to offer at least £6bn through the programme, with councils expected to deliver more than half of the homes funded in the capital.

More funding is expected to be allocated during the ten-year programme, so today's figures don't represent the final distribution of the £39bn.

Will this mean I can get a council house?

Not necessarily - and this is an important distinction.

The announcement is about building more homes, rather than changing the rules for who qualifies for social housing.

If you're already on your council's housing waiting list, you won't automatically move up the list because of the new funding.

And even when new homes are built, demand is likely to remain high.

The government says more than £16bn is still to be allocated outside London during the programme and that future funding will prioritise social rent homes and council housebuilding.

So the announcement is a long-term attempt to increase the number of affordable homes available, rather than an immediate solution for everyone currently waiting for one.

What if you're struggling with your rent now?

The new housebuilding programme won't solve an immediate rent shortfall.

If you're struggling to pay your rent, it's worth checking whether you're receiving all the help you're entitled to. You can use our free online benefit checker.

Depending on your circumstances, this could include universal credit, housing benefit or other support from your local council.

You may also be able to get help if you're already behind with your rent.

Don't wait until you're facing eviction before asking for help. Speaking to your landlord, council or us early can give you more options.