First wave of £39bn social homes plan: 70,000 homes for England

Ministers have announced the first phase of their £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme. Around £10bn will fund 70,000 homes outside London; at least £6bn goes through the Greater London Authority. Some 60% will be let at social rents — below market rates. Shelter said the figure falls short. Only 12,000 social-rent homes were built in England in 2024-25.