## Andy Burnham’s Proposal to Address PRS Housing Conditions

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has called for stronger council powers to tackle poor housing conditions in the private rented sector (PRS). Speaking at the Resolution Foundation’s Unsung Britain conference in London, Burnham outlined a three-point plan to address the UK’s housing crisis. Central to his proposals is the introduction of compulsory purchase orders for PRS homes that fail to meet decent living standards.

Burnham emphasised that councils should be empowered and funded to compulsorily purchase PRS properties that are “non-decent.” He stated, “You should no longer be allowed to rent out a home with the help of the benefits system when its condition harms the health of residents and drags down the surrounding community.” While acknowledging the radical nature of this idea, he argued it is essential to confront the consequences of homes left in disrepair after being taken out of public ownership.

## Ambitious Targets for Council and Social Housing

A key part of Burnham’s plan is a new target to build half a million council and social homes by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce reliance on the private rented sector, which often includes properties in poor condition. Burnham’s approach reflects a broader strategy to rebalance housing provision towards public ownership and management.

## Nationwide Retrofit Programme to Improve Energy Efficiency

Burnham’s third point focuses on accelerating a nationwide retrofit programme. This initiative seeks to upgrade existing homes, improving their quality and energy efficiency. He highlighted the potential benefits for millions of residents, including “better-quality homes with permanently lower energy bills, even possibly freeing them entirely from the worry of energy costs.” This aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

## Decent Homes Standard for PRS and Social Housing by 2035

Burnham’s proposals come as the UK government has announced that all private rented and social homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) by 2035. The DHS requires homes to be in a reasonable state of repair and provide essential facilities such as a properly laid-out kitchen, an appropriately located bathroom and WC, and adequate protection from external noise.

Meeting the new standard will require significant investment from landlords. Government data estimates that landlords will need to spend approximately £26.5 billion to bring properties up to the required standard. This financial burden highlights the challenges landlords face in complying with evolving housing regulations.

## Implications for UK Landlords and Letting Agents

If Burnham’s proposals are adopted, landlords of PRS homes in poor condition could face compulsory purchase orders by local councils, particularly where properties are deemed harmful to tenants’ health or the wider community. This would represent a significant shift in enforcement powers and responsibilities.

Landlords should monitor developments closely, as increased regulation and enforcement could impact property management strategies and investment decisions. The government’s Decent Homes Standard deadline also underscores the need for proactive maintenance and upgrades to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

## Background: The Good Landlord Charter in Manchester

As Mayor, Andy Burnham launched the Good Landlord Charter, which currently covers around 50% of rented homes in Manchester. This voluntary scheme encourages landlords to maintain higher standards and improve tenant experiences. Burnham’s latest proposals build on this foundation by seeking statutory powers to address the worst housing conditions in the PRS.

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Suggested internal link anchors

– private rented sector
– compulsory purchase orders
– Decent Homes Standard
– council and social housing
– retrofit programme
– landlord responsibilities
– housing crisis solutions
– property maintenance
– tenant health and safety
– housing regulation compliance
– Good Landlord Charter
– energy efficiency improvements

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TLA update

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