Ready to build
An ambitious target of building 75,000 new homes, with 10,000 to be affordable net-zero, during the next parliament has been set to support the national target of 1.5 million. They are proposing a new partnership with the UK Government that would see greater flexibility over funding and capacity to accelerate the supply of new homes – including new social homes.
Their joint development plan – Places for Everyone – has already identified the locations where most new homes and infrastructure can be delivered across the region.
Setting the standards for the PRS
Throughout Greater Manchester, around 23 per cent (56,000) of privately rented homes in Greater Manchester are estimated not to meet the legal Decent Homes Standard – with the real figure expected to be higher as not all tenants in unsafe homes feel able to raise complaints. Burnham stated the Good Landlord Charter aims to give renters powers, whilst supporting and recognising the landlords who go above and beyond with the development of a new right to a Property Check.
Landlords can now register their interest in participating in the Charter by visiting: greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk – it will be open to all residential landlords, either social or private, charitable or profit-making, and will offer two levels of participation: Member, and Supporter, for those working towards membership status.
Read more about the announcement →
Propertymark's caveats
Whilst we welcome the aims of the Charter, the scheme would be strengthened if letting agents were also considered for membership as they are more likely to demonstrate accreditation and training, provide transparency on rent allocation, signpost information and achieve necessary standards than an individual landlord. Furthermore, the criteria for participating in the charter states that all properties must meet EPC C as a minimum. However, it should be noted that landlords of older or heritage properties, or those in conservation areas, may be limited in the energy efficiency that can be realistically achieved should be considered.
