Manchester delivers more affordable homes in one year than at any point in past decade

The strategy launched in 2022; it was developed in collaboration with the Manchester Housing Providers’ Partnership and private sector partners. It runs through to 2032 and focuses on areas including increasing the number of affordable homes, working to end homelessness, tackle inequalities and decarbonisation.  

The strategy has a target of building 36,000 new homes – 10,000 of which will be affordable. Of those, 3,000 will be affordable homes in the city centre. 

In 2023-24, 58% of new affordable homes were low or zero carbon.

So far, 1,018 affordable homes – including 259 social homes – have been completed as part of the strategy, representing 10.2% of the 10-year total.  

The council said it expects to “at least” meet the 10,000 affordable homes target by 2032 as planned.  

In total, across all tenures, 4,925 homes have been completed since the beginning of the strategy period – including 3,018 homes built in 2023-24, representing a 58% increase from 2022-23.

There are 13,800 homes currently under construction in the city and more than 8,300 have planning permission.

Alongside the affordable housing delivery, the number of people in temporary accommodation has fallen by more than 6% since March 2023 “following a range of interventions by the council, including changes to the social housing allocations policy”.

Changes were made to the allocation policy in February 2023, which allows households to move into private rented homes and keep their banding on the housing register. 

The report said: “In 2023-24 – the first full year with the changes to the allocations policy – the annual net cost of temporary accommodation was £22.7m, 5% lower than in 2022-23.

“The drop in costs was mainly due to the large reduction in both families and individuals living in B&Bs. As of March 2024, there were just four families in B&Bs (which had historically peaked at 227) and 31 singles (which had peaked at 581). 

“These reductions have been achieved via targeted support (both managed and commissioned) consisting of case checks and focused panels assessing each case on an individualised basis and ensuring the most appropriate accommodation option for their needs. This has been directed at people in B&B and those sleeping rough which has been in place from the beginning of 2024.” 

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester Council, said: “In 2022, we set an ambitious new strategy and we are seeing more quality homes – and, crucially, affordable housing – being built, but we are also seeing strides in low-carbon investment, which ultimately saves our residents money. We are seeing fewer people in temporary accommodation, and we are improving existing homes and neighbourhoods to be places our residents want to live. 

“Two years in, we still have a lot of challenges and work to do to support our residents into the homes they need and deserve, but we are seeing good progress in key areas that will make a real difference to the lives of Manchester people.”

Inside Housing reported earlier this month that social landlords in Greater Manchester have agreed not to use the mandatory rent arrears eviction ground under plans for mayor Andy Burnham’s Good Landlord Charter.