New Manchester housing strategy to boost social and affordable homes

A new Manchester Housing Strategy which will deliver 10,000 new social and affordable homes over the next 10 years while increasing the number of zero and low carbon homes in the city has been adopted.

The strategy covers the decade up to 2032 and will oversee the creation of 36,000 new homes to meet continuing population growth and demand across all housing types and in every part of Manchester.

More than a quarter of these new homes – some 10,000 – will be social and affordable homes, with some 3,000 in the city centre.

At least 80% of new homes will be on brownfield sites, close to public transport links. 

The new strategy links in to plans to end homelessness and the council’s new Work and Skills Strategy, which will help equip people to access jobs which will enable them to secure better homes, to provide affordable housing for all.

The strategy also seeks to expand the Manchester Living Rent so that more rental homes are affordable to those who are receiving Local Housing Allowance.  

Another key principle of the Manchester Housing Strategy 2022-32 is to increase the number of zero and low carbon homes across the city, contributing towards the city’s goal of becoming net zero carbon by 2038.

By 2032 the strategy aims to oversee the retrofitting of at least a third of the city’s 70,000 social homes (improving energy efficiency and substantially reducing carbon emissions) and ensure that 50% of new homes built by 2025 are low or zero carbon.

A retrofit programme for all housing across the city will also be developed. 

At the same time, a further key principle of the strategy is to tackle inequalities and create neighbourhoods where people want to live.

This includes building 3,000 new larger family homes by 2032 and building more homes for older people who may wish to move into housing more appropriate for their needs.

It also includes expanding selective licensing to continue improvements in the private rented sector.  

“Manchester people need secure and affordable housing in vibrant communities,” said Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development.

“There is no doubt that our growing population, the city’s popularity and the impacts of austerity have made it a real challenge for housing supply to keep up with demand. 

“This new strategy is rising to that challenge and sets out how we will work with both the public and private sector to deliver the housing we need across all types and tenures but with a strengthened emphasis on social and affordable housing. 

“We are also focused on ensuring that low and zero carbon housing plays an important role in the mission to cut the city’s carbon emissions.” 

Council Leader Councillor Bev Craig said: “Manchester’s growth in recent years has been remarkable but we need to make sure it works for everyone.

“I’m confident that this strategy guiding housing development and improvements over the next decade will be a crucial piece in the jigsaw.”