Housing Minister Chris Pincher has stated that “new social housing is a key priority for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities”.

It came after being questioned by Labour MP Chi Onwurah, who asked if the Secretary of State will be making social housing part of his levelling up agenda.

In response, Pincher said: “Since 2010, we have delivered over 542,400 new affordable homes, including over 382,300 affordable homes for rent, of which over 149,400 homes for social rent. New social housing is a key priority for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

“As part of our drive to level up, we are keen to see affordable homes built right across the country, supporting all communities. Sixty-five per cent of the £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 is due to go to regions of England outside of London, up from 55% in the 2016-23 Programme.

“To ensure Social Rent homes are built where they are most needed, we have changed the rules for Social Rent making grant available for it right across the country and provided additional funding to deliver Social Rent homes in local authority areas where affordability pressures are highest.”