Landlords are watching closely as Andy Burnham’s housing policies come under renewed attention following his appointment as Prime Minister.
Mr Burnham replaced Sir Keir Starmer after winning the Labour leadership contest, becoming the seventh person to take the role of Prime Minister since 2016. His early housing pledges have already raised questions over possible changes to rent controls, landlord licensing and property standards.
During his first speech outside Downing Street, Mr Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping across the UK, with plans to move people who have experienced long-term homelessness into secure accommodation.
The proposals include acquiring suitable homes, although the government has not yet provided details on how the properties will be sourced, how many homes will be required, or how the scheme will be funded.
Questions Over Housing Commitments
Conservative shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly criticised the announcement, claiming there was limited information about how the plans would be delivered.
He questioned whether funding would come from existing housing projects and argued that previous commitments made by Mr Burnham during his time as Greater Manchester mayor had not been fully delivered.
Mr Burnham has also committed to increasing the number of council homes available, while his previous housing campaigns have included calls for stronger controls on private rents.
During his 2016 Greater Manchester mayoral campaign, he supported the introduction of rent controls, although this would have required approval from Westminster. In 2023, he also backed calls for a temporary freeze on private sector rents during the cost-of-living crisis.
More recently, Mr Burnham criticised the decline in council housing, arguing that a shortage of social homes has increased reliance on the private rented sector and housing benefits.
Focus on Landlord Standards and Licensing
Landlord regulation has also been a key part of Mr Burnham’s housing approach.
Previously, he called for stronger oversight of the private rented sector and proposed a system where landlords who repeatedly failed to meet housing standards could face enforcement action.
Under his suggested approach, properties owned by landlords refusing to carry out necessary improvements could potentially be taken through compulsory purchase powers.
During his time as Greater Manchester mayor, he also introduced the Good Landlord Charter, a scheme designed to encourage better standards among landlords and letting agents across the region.
Industry Responds to New Prime Minister
The property sector has welcomed the opportunity to work with the new government while highlighting the need for practical housing policies.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said Mr Burnham has shown a genuine interest in housing and property standards, adding that his approach appears pragmatic and flexible.
However, he said the government’s actions would ultimately determine whether its housing commitments succeed.
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said the housing sector needs a clear opportunity to engage with government, particularly around the target of delivering 1.5 million new homes across England.
He added that increasing housing supply must involve creating well-designed communities supported by suitable infrastructure.
Justin Young, chief executive of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said the new government takes office at an important time for housing, infrastructure and the wider built environment.
He highlighted the need for long-term policies focused on increasing affordable housing supply, improving infrastructure and supporting sustainability.
Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, said building more homes remains essential but added that improving the movement of existing properties through the market is also important.
Meanwhile, Vanessa Hale, chief executive of Real Estate:UK, said delivering new homes and workplaces requires a strong investment environment, adding that effective planning and development policies will be crucial.
With rent controls, landlord regulation and housing supply likely to remain key issues, the property sector will be closely monitoring Mr Burnham’s next steps.
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