Millions across the UK struggle with unaffordable rents, extensive waiting lists for social housing, and an inability to enter the property market. With average English home prices reaching £300,000—nearly eight times typical earnings—the pressure is mounting. The current Labour administration aims to construct 1.5 million homes this parliamentary term, yet progress currently lags behind this ambitious goal.
Andy Burnham, currently serving as mayor of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has promised the largest council house building initiative since the post-war era. While his supporters point to Manchester’s growth as a success, critics highlight persistent regional housing issues. Data from the Greater Manchester area shows that while the city itself performed well, the broader region’s delivery rate was lower than other major English city regions between 2018 and 2025.
Achieving these targets faces significant hurdles. Council house construction has dwindled since the 1980s, and local authorities often lack the internal capacity or budget to manage large-scale developments. Moreover, private sector builders cite high mortgage rates, labor shortages following Brexit, and rising material costs as major obstacles to growth. Experts suggest that while planning reforms and the use of public land offer potential, significantly increasing housing supply will likely require substantial state investment and a robust strategy for both social and private housing development.
