Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.

Housing Secretary Outlines Social Housing Plans at Lloyds Forum

The Housing Secretary delivered a speech at Lloyds Banking Group's Social Housing Forum on 6 July 2026, highlighting new initiatives and progress in the social housing sector. The Secretary confirmed the national rollout of the Small Sites Aggregator following its pilot phase and reiterated the government's commitment to increasing social and affordable housing.

The Secretary stated that partnerships, such as those present at the forum, are central to addressing the housing crisis. The Small Sites Aggregator, developed in collaboration with sector stakeholders, will be implemented across the country after its pilot.

The speech also noted that social housing starts have increased, with starts on homes for social rent by Homes England and the Greater London Authority now doubled under the current government. The Secretary emphasised the importance of supporting home ownership while ensuring the provision of social housing.

A five-step plan was outlined to drive a decade of renewal in the sector. This includes a significant boost to grant funding, rebuilding sector capacity, establishing a stable regulatory regime, reinvigorating council housebuilding, and strengthening partnerships with the sector.

The Secretary highlighted ongoing challenges, including 134,000 households in temporary accommodation and over a million families on council housing waiting lists. The speech also referenced the rising housing benefits bill and the prevalence of former right-to-buy homes now being rented privately at higher rents.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, these developments signal continued government focus on expanding and improving social housing stock, as well as regulatory and funding changes that may impact property management and lettings in the sector.