An Open Letter to Andy Burnham

Dear Andy,

I have followed with interest your recent comments about delivering the largest programme of council house building in a generation. Few would disagree that Britain faces a profound housing crisis, and your ambition is welcome. However, I believe the debate now needs to move beyond aspiration and towards implementation.

Successive governments of every political persuasion have promised to solve the housing crisis. Despite numerous policy changes, planning reforms and funding initiatives, the sector continues to deliver significantly fewer homes than the country needs. The challenges have become systemic rather than cyclical.

Against that backdrop, I would be interested to understand how your proposals differ and, more importantly, how they can realistically be delivered.

First, how do you intend to unlock housing delivery when the economic fundamentals remain so challenging? Rising construction costs, higher borrowing rates, tightening environmental regulation, viability pressures and constrained public finances have fundamentally altered the economics of residential development. These issues affect not only private developers but also housing associations and local authorities. Unless these structural challenges are addressed, ambitious housing targets risk remaining exactly that — targets.

Second, how will you ensure that a national vision can be implemented consistently at local authority level? Political leadership varies considerably across the country, as do local priorities and planning cultures. If councils are expected to become major delivery vehicles once again, what mechanisms will ensure consistency, accountability, and collaboration regardless of political control?

Third, where will the workforce come from? The construction industry continues to face significant shortages of skilled labour across almost every discipline. Expanding council house building on the scale proposed will require not only funding but also a credible strategy for skills, apprenticeships, modern methods of construction and supply chain capacity.

There is also a broader question about the relationship between the public and private sectors. Too often these sectors are portrayed as competing interests when, in reality, both are essential if we are to increase housing delivery. Local authorities control land, planning and public policy. The private sector brings development expertise, capital, innovation and delivery capability. How do you envisage creating a partnership where each sector plays to its strengths rather than working in isolation?

Equally important are the long-term operational responsibilities associated with a significant expansion of council housing. Building homes is only the beginning. Councils must also manage and maintain those homes for decades, invest in repairs, ensure regulatory compliance, improve energy performance and create sustainable communities. How will local authorities be supported financially and operationally to meet these ongoing obligations without repeating many of the challenges experienced by existing housing stock?

Finally, if we genuinely want to accelerate delivery, what regulatory reforms do you believe are necessary? The planning process remains lengthy, uncertain and resource-intensive. Environmental regulation, building safety requirements, utility connections, judicial review risk and multiple layers of statutory consultation all contribute to delay. While these safeguards exist for good reasons, are there opportunities to streamline the system without compromising quality, safety or environmental standards?

Britain undoubtedly needs more homes. The question is no longer whether we should build them, but how we create a delivery model that is economically viable, politically durable and practically achievable.

I hope your vision stimulates a wider conversation involving local government, housing associations, developers, investors, planners and construction professionals. Solving the housing crisis will require all parts of the sector working together with a shared understanding of both the opportunities and the constraints.

I look forward to seeing how these important questions are addressed.

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