Andy Burnham has pledged to launch the largest council house construction initiative since the post-war period as he presented his plan for governance.
Speaking in his first address following Keir Starmer’s announcement to step down, the potential Prime Minister highlighted a concerning “housing trap” situation, with a significant decrease of nearly 1.5 million council homes since the 1980s due to Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy policy.
Burnham raised concerns about the detrimental impact of this crisis on public finances, criticizing the local housing allowance freeze for driving families into homelessness and escalating costs for temporary accommodation, burdening financially strained councils.
To address the housing shortage, Burnham proposed the construction of new homes on unoccupied public land, aiming to emulate the post-war housing boom. He mentioned the establishment of a new No10 North initiative based in Manchester to oversee this endeavor, with a previous indication of targeting half a million social homes by 2030.
The commitment to boosting council house construction comes as Burnham outlines his governmental plans, with his uncontested leadership position positioning him to assume office at 10 Downing Street in under three weeks.
Central to his strategy is a comprehensive reform of the nation’s governance structure. Burnham vowed to introduce “the most significant rebalancing of power in our country’s history,” outlining a decade-long scheme to enhance living standards and revolutionize crucial services.
The proposed No10 North unit is envisioned as the central hub for a restructured Britain, spearheading initiatives such as re-industrialization, utilities reform, and community revitalization, with a focus on neglected areas.
Burnham emphasized the need to empower mayors and local leaders, advocating for a shift away from top-down growth directives to fostering grassroots development.
Reflecting on his upbringing in the 1970s, Burnham highlighted the importance of secure housing and quality technical education for working-class advancement, sentiments he believes have been neglected over the years.
In a bid to broaden opportunities beyond traditional university paths, Burnham pledged to revamp the education system and support alternative routes for young people, emphasizing the long-overdue focus on diversifying life prospects.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by unemployed youths, Burnham committed to devolving employment support to local authorities and integrating mental health services into in-work assistance.
Additionally, he promised to revamp business rates to rejuvenate town centers, aiming to transform high streets into symbols of national rejuvenation rather than decline.
While outlining a ten-year mission to raise living standards, Burnham stressed the urgency of immediate action to alleviate financial pressures on citizens, emphasizing the importance of providing hope and opportunities for all.
Looking ahead, Burnham envisioned a future with reduced energy costs, widespread economic growth, and renewed optimism across communities, urging for proactive measures to realize this vision.
As speculation mounts about his potential Cabinet appointments, Burnham confirmed that no announcements regarding his top team would be made until the conclusion of the leadership race.
With no challengers in sight, Burnham is set to assume the Labour leadership on July 17, with his entry into Downing Street scheduled for July 20.
