CIH response to Andy Burnham’s housing speech

Yesterday, Andy Burnham MP gave his first major speech since he was elected in Makerfield, and in his capacity as a candidate to become the next Prime Minister. His speech centred on making housing the top national priority, arguing that access to safe, secure and affordable homes is fundamental to improving health, education, inequality and economic growth.

CIH strongly supports his decision to place housing at the centre of his political vision. His recognition that “everything starts with a good home” reflects what housing professionals see every day: that safe, secure, affordable housing is the foundation for health, education, economic participation and stronger communities.

We believe Andy Burnham is right to highlight the scale and urgency of the crisis. With over 1.3 million households on waiting lists, rising homelessness, and record numbers of children in temporary accommodation, the need for a step-change in supply - particularly of genuinely affordable homes - has never been clearer. 

A renewed focus on social and council housing

CIH supports the renewed emphasis on building more social and council homes. Increasing supply at social rent levels is essential if we are to tackle homelessness, relieve pressure on the private rented sector and reduce reliance on housing benefit. The long-term economic argument is compelling: investment in genuinely affordable housing can reduce public spending on welfare, health and crisis services while supporting economic growth and productivity.

We also recognise the important role that local authorities can play. Councils have a unique democratic mandate, deep knowledge of local need, and a critical role in shaping places. Strengthening their capacity to deliver new homes will be an important part of any solution.

The role of the whole social housing sector

At the same time, it is important that we take a whole-system approach. Housing associations currently provide the majority of social housing and will remain vital partners in delivering the scale of new supply required. The challenges facing the sector, whether around quality, safety, or capacity, must be addressed collaboratively, building on the strengths of both councils and housing associations.

We need to ensure that all parts of the sector are empowered and resourced to deliver safe, high-quality and affordable homes.

From ambition to delivery

The ambition to build at scale is welcome, but delivery will be the real test. To succeed, any major housebuilding programme must be underpinned by:

• Long-term, flexible funding that enables providers to plan with certainty
• Reform of the housing revenue and grant systems to support genuinely affordable rents
• Investment in skills and capacity across the construction and housing workforce
• A stable policy environment, including clarity on rent policy and building safety requirements
• A stable, long-term settlement for help with housing costs, giving both households and landlords the confidence and certainty to plan ahead.

Borrowing to invest in housing should be seen as a strategic investment, not simply a cost. Done well, it can deliver savings to the public purse over time, alongside wider social and economic benefits.

Quality must be as important as quantity

CIH also welcomes the focus on outcomes. Building more homes must go hand in hand with improving the quality of existing homes. Every resident has the right to a safe, decent home, and recent experiences across the sector show that maintaining and improving standards must remain a core priority.

A moment for long-term thinking

Mr Burnham’s speech signals a shift toward treating housing as national infrastructure, which CIH has also called for. However, lasting progress will require cross-party commitment and sustained action over many years, drawing on the expertise of housing professionals across all tenures.

What next?

Housing has for too long been treated as a secondary issue. Making it a top priority is both necessary and overdue. CIH stands ready to work with government, local authorities, housing associations and partners across the sector to help turn this ambition into reality - delivering the homes people need and the foundations for healthier, fairer and more prosperous communities.

Gavin Smart, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “Andy Burnham’s speech rightly puts housing at the centre of the national debate, recognising that a safe, secure home underpins people’s life chances and the country’s economic success. The focus on large-scale council housebuilding reflects the urgency of the housing crisis, but delivering on this ambition will require sustained investment and a whole-sector effort.”