ABOUT SOCIAL HOMES FOR MANCHESTER

We are a coalition of community associations, charities, think tanks, academics and social justice organisations focused on accelerating the number of social homes that are created in Manchester by 2030 and ensuring this is done in an environmentally sustainable way.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Our work grew out of community campaigns across the city and launched in October 2023 with 6 key asks of Manchester City Council:

At least 30% social homes included in all new developments of over 10 units to be enacted in local policy and enforced through the setting and enforcement section 106 obligations.
Stronger public accountability and scrutiny for the setting and enforcement of developer obligations to build new social housing.
Establish a Commission on social housing for the City of Manchester.
Develop a practical strategy for the promotion of Community Led Housing.
Develop a practical strategy for the renovation and transfer of empty homes into homes for social rent.
Ensure all new build homes of any type or tenure to be ecologically sustainable.

We have made great progress:

Read more about Manchester Social Housing Commission (July 2024-December 2025) and associated achievements here
MCC have increased social rent targets from less than 5% to 21% social rent in all new developments of 10 homes or more
Coalition advocacy for 30% social rent in the new Manchester Local Plan is ongoing (invite us to speak to your community on this here)
SH4M & Associates are working with GMCA and the University of Leeds on a data portal prototype that could increase transparency and accountability on local area data on planning and development
Cllr Bev Craig as council leader has publicly committed MCC to working with SH4M on a new Community Led Development policy for the city
A new Empty Homes strategy has been published and consulted on - we await the outcomes of the consultation.
Coalition advocacy on the intersecting rationales of the cost of living and climate crisis for ecologically sustainable homes underpins ongoing work on the Local Plan consultation.

GET INVOLVED

Our membership is made up of four levels:

Campaign
Coalition
Community Team
Steering Group

Any individual can sign up to support the campaign.

To join the coalition, you must be a representative of a constituted group or organisation, and have approval of your group or organisation's leadership.

Any organisation that is a member can request a seat on the Steering Group.

COALITION STEERING GROUP

The following organisations are currently represented on the Steering Group:

The corner in the Northern Quarter in Manchester