The announcement comes after criticism from the opposition and a committee about delays in publishing a long-term housing strategy and uncertainties over delivery timelines and fund allocation.

The UK government will commit 7 billion pounds to mayors outside London as part of a 10-year, 39 billion-pound affordable housing programme to expand social housing.

This funding aims to cut social housing waiting lists and deliver about 180,000 social rent homes across England, with a 150 million-pound package to develop brownfield sites delivering more than 4,000 new homes.

An additional 150 million pounds is allocated to brownfield development, targeting the creation of over 4,000 new homes.

Bids will focus on transforming derelict or brownfield sites into new housing communities and accelerating construction to reduce waiting lists.

Housing Secretary says councils should “go big, go bold and go build,” portraying this as the biggest boost to social housebuilding in a generation.

Mayoral funding bids will let local leaders specify the types of homes needed and prioritise sites, with bids opening in February.

Reed frames the plan as reforming social housing by transforming derelict sites into thriving neighbourhoods and boosting local housing supply.

Opposition argues Labour needs a transparent plan with clear funding timelines and how and when funds will be available.

Regional allocations include substantial amounts: Greater Manchester around 1.8 billion, the West Midlands 1.7 billion, the North East 1.1 billion, West Yorkshire 1 billion, and about 700 million for both Liverpool City Region and South Yorkshire.