Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has called for councils to be granted powers to compulsorily purchase poorly maintained homes in the private rented sector (PRS). Speaking at the Resolution Foundation’s Unsung Britain conference in London, he outlined a series of measures he believes are essential to tackle the ongoing housing crisis across the UK.
Burnham emphasised that without decisive action, millions of tenants will continue to live in substandard conditions, particularly in properties where absentee landlords prioritise profit over the wellbeing of residents. He argued that local authorities must be equipped with the tools and funding necessary to intervene when homes are deemed non-decent.
During his tenure as Mayor, Burnham launched the Good Landlord Charter, a scheme designed to encourage better management and higher standards in rented housing. The charter currently covers around 50% of rented properties in Manchester, offering a model that could be expanded if councils were given the right powers.
At the conference, Burnham set out three key proposals to address housing issues. The first included a bold target: constructing 500,000 council and social homes by the end of the decade. He stressed that expanding public housing is vital to relieve pressure on the PRS and to provide safe, affordable homes for families.
His second proposal focused on the PRS, where he believes councils should be empowered to compulsorily purchase homes that fail to meet basic standards. “You should no longer be able to rent out a property with the help of the benefits system if its condition harms residents’ health or degrades the surrounding community,” he stated.
The Mayor admitted that the idea of compulsory purchase orders is radical but insisted that it is necessary. “Many homes that were once in public ownership have been left in disrepair and exist purely to make money for absentee landlords,” he said, highlighting the social consequences of neglect.
Burnham also raised concerns about the wider impact on communities, noting that poorly maintained PRS properties can drag down neighbourhoods and reduce quality of life for local residents. He argued that councils should have the legal backing to intervene and ensure homes meet minimum living standards.
In addition to tackling poor housing conditions, Burnham’s third focus was on accelerating a nationwide retrofit programme. He explained that upgrading homes to be more energy-efficient would not only improve living standards but also help tenants save money on energy bills, potentially easing long-term financial stress.
The Mayor suggested that retrofitting could provide lasting benefits for millions of households. Improved insulation, modern heating systems, and better-quality building materials would help reduce energy consumption and lower costs for tenants, while also contributing to national climate goals.
Burnham’s proposals coincide with government plans requiring all PRS and social homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035. Under the standard, landlords must ensure homes are in a reasonable state of repair, provide essential facilities, and protect tenants from external noise. Key requirements include a functional kitchen, a properly located bathroom and WC, and adequate living space.
Government estimates suggest that landlords will need to invest £26.5 billion nationwide to bring properties up to the Decent Homes Standard. Burnham argued that council intervention, alongside these regulations, will be crucial to ensure the standard is met in practice, particularly in cases where landlords fail to comply.
He also highlighted the health benefits of tackling poor housing conditions. Non-decent homes can exacerbate respiratory issues, mental health problems, and general wellbeing, placing additional strain on public services. Ensuring that homes are safe, warm, and well-maintained is therefore not just a housing issue but a public health priority.
Burnham’s proposals underline the importance of local government powers in addressing the housing crisis. By combining new council powers with nationwide building and retrofitting targets, he believes the UK can begin to reduce inequalities in housing and provide more secure, sustainable homes for all.
The Mayor concluded by calling on the government to support these measures with funding and legislation. “If we are serious about tackling the housing crisis, councils need both the authority and the resources to act,” he said, urging urgent action before more tenants are left in substandard conditions.
Overall, Burnham’s proposals paint a picture of a more interventionist approach to housing policy, focused on improving quality, expanding public housing, and ensuring accountability in the PRS. With the housing crisis continuing to affect millions of families, these ideas could play a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s rental and social housing landscape in the years ahead.
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