Andy Burnham proposes compulsory purchase orders for PRS homes
2 months ago | 29 comments
Andy Burnham pledges support to landlords to raise EPC ratings
9:06 AM, 18th March 2026, 1 month ago
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Landlords in Manchester will be able to access grants of up to £30,000 to improve EPC ratings.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham claims he wants to support responsible landlords and offer incentives to improve EPC standards through his Good Landlord Charter.
Launched in April last year, the initiative is a cornerstone of Mayor Andy Burnham’s bid to ensure every resident has access to a safe, secure, affordable, and healthy home by 2038.
We will work with responsible landlords
Under the proposals, supporters of The Good Landlord Charter will be able to access grants of up to £30,000 through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, to improve the energy efficiency of their property and install low-carbon heating systems.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, explains: “When people have a healthy home, they are more likely to thrive in their everyday life.
“With our joined-up approach, we are proactively supporting landlords to make improvements and incentivising them to take responsibility for their properties, and the warmth and safety of their tenants.
“We are using our trailblazing devolution deal to pioneer a new model for good growth. By linking public funding with responsible, ethical behaviours, we’re leading the way in how to build a fairer, stronger housing system and blazing a trail for the rest of the country to follow.
“Greater Manchester’s message is clear: We will work with and support responsible landlords who want to do the right thing, and we will take firm action against those who don’t.”
Support PRS landlords
Only landlords who are signed up to the Good Landlord Charter will be able to access the grants.
Tom Fisher, head of the Good Landlord Charter Implementation Unit, said: “We’re working with landlords across Greater Manchester to ensure tenants live in good, affordable homes.
“We’re pleased that only landlords who are Supporters of the Charter are eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This connection between the Charter and the grants will support PRS landlords to provide more energy-efficient homes for tenants.
“With the Renters Rights Act and new EPC rules coming in, it’s a crucial time for landlords to stay on top of changes to provide good homes. Landlords registered with the Charter have access to expert advice, support, and guidance to raise renting standards and be recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s Good Landlords.”
According, to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the use of financial penalties against poor landlords recently increased by 43%, with £1.47m in fines.
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Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 281
9:53 AM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Spending £30,000 to move a property from where the majority of rental properties sit – EPC D – that aren’t currently C or above (G and F are mostly not legal to let and Es are relatively few and far between) it ludicrous – whether it’s the landlords own money, taxpayer’s or added to the national debt (taxpayer again).
Don’t people like Burnham follow events – an incredible 98 % of properties with solid wall insulation under the recent government scheme have problems. Manchester will be like the Wild West if this money is on the table, and ultimately the tenants will be paying the £30k back through higher tax with their kids and grandkids saddled with a national debt that takes more and more tax to service the interest.
All to save £15 a month on the heating bill if you’re lucky.
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 65
10:14 AM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Presumably this proposal would require that the property remains rented for a minimum time following the grant-aided works. Maybe at least 10 years before it can be sold on the open market?
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 148
11:14 AM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
The Limelight Kid desperate to out-initiative Rayner-Terror for the leadership race when Stoma trots off.
Member Since February 2026 - Comments: 1
11:46 AM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
I own flats in Tyneside the value of them is £55/60 grand each,you are only required to spend 10 % of the value on doing EPC work 5/6 grand over the next 4 years then you can apply for a exemption.
I wouldn’t get all worried and uptight about this at the moment as industry experts will eventually get through to the government and make them see sense.
As Property Mark has already commented one hat doesn’t fit all.
Member Since March 2025 - Comments: 1
1:48 PM, 18th March 2026, About 1 month ago
The Burnham announcement is seriously misleading. The Warm Homes. Local Grant scheme already exists and the rules are not changing. The only PRS properties that will be eligible are where tenants household income is less than £36,000
That excludes all of our D rated properties (very desirable Victorian terraces) since there is no way tenants with this level of income or less (or on Benefits) would pass our affordability criterion.
It is also a strange policy that is highly vulnerable to abuse. Move a compliant relative/friend with a low income or on benefits into a PRS property, claim the grant and move them onto the next property.
Incidentally the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme is already available in our Greater Manchester borough so I don’t understand how the necessity to sign up to the Good Landlord Charter will be enforced.