Labour Leadership Delivers for the North East: More Power and Investment to Build the Homes We Need

As someone who has campaigned for years for more social and affordable housing, this week's announcement is a huge step in the right direction for the North East and for families across Northumberland.

For the first time, regional Mayors outside of London – including our own North East Labour Mayor Kim McGuinness – will be given direct influence over how millions of pounds are spent on new social and affordable housing through the Government's £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

This is seriously fantastic news for our region. For too long, local communities have been trapped in a cycle of housing need with families on endless waiting lists, people living in unsuitable temporary accommodation, and too few genuinely affordable homes being built.

Now, with £7 billion of funding to be shaped by regional Mayors like Kim McGuinness, we can finally make decisions here in the North East that reflect the real needs of local people. This marks a major shift in housing policy – putting the power to plan, build, and deliver homes where it belongs: in the hands of local leaders who understand their communities.

Building for the Future

The new programme is expected to deliver around 180,000 new social rent homes across England, forming part of the biggest investment in affordable housing in a generation. In the North East, this will mean:

• More social rent homes for families who've been priced out of the private market.

• Empowered councils and Mayors who can plan and build at scale.

• A £150 million brownfield regeneration package to turn neglected land into high-quality homes, green spaces and local jobs.

As I've said many times before, housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. It's about stability, security, and opportunity. When people have safe, affordable homes, everything else becomes possible – better health, stronger communities, and a real sense of belonging.

Leadership That Understands Our Communities

I'm proud that our North East Labour Mayor Kim McGuinness will be leading this effort for our region. Kim knows the challenges our towns and villages face, and she's determined to ensure every part of the North East benefits from this funding.

This approach – driven by Labour leadership and shaped by local priorities is how we'll deliver a fairer future for our communities.

Looking Ahead

Here in Northumberland, I'll continue to champion the case for more social and affordable housing, more support for local councils to build, and greater investment in regenerating our communities.

We have an opportunity to build homes that are not only affordable, but that strengthen our villages, create jobs, and give people the foundations for a better life.

It's time to go big, go bold, and go build – and I'm proud that the North East is leading the way.