Colchester City Council has welcomed the Government’s launch of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), a £39 billion national initiative that will support the delivery of affordable housing over the next decade. The programme is a vital opportunity to address the growing demand for affordable homes in Colchester and across the country.
The SAHP, announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), aims to deliver 300,000 affordable homes nationally between 2026 and 2036, with at least 60 per cent designated for social rent. It provides long-term funding certainty for councils and housing providers, enabling them to plan and deliver ambitious housing projects.
Councillor Julie Young, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing at Colchester City Council, said: “Colchester is a growing city with a pressing need for more affordable homes. Too many families are struggling to find secure, good-quality housing that meets their needs. This new programme gives us the tools to change that.
“We’re particularly encouraged by the support for council-led development, including the flexibility to combine Right to Buy receipts with SAHP funding and the new portfolio bidding route, which will help us deliver larger, more strategic housing schemes.”
Colchester City Council is actively reviewing the programme’s prospectus and preparing proposals that reflect local priorities. These include:
- Increasing the supply of social housing for families and individuals on the housing register.
- Delivering energy-efficient, sustainable housing that supports the city’s climate goals.
- Expanding supported and community-led housing to meet the needs of vulnerable residents.
- Strengthening the availability of temporary accommodation through the upcoming fourth round of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).
Page last reviewed: 18 November 2025