More than 2,000 affordable homes built in Wigan Borough

More than 2,000 affordable homes built in Wigan Borough

Providing affordable and social housing options is a key focus for a refreshed Wigan Council housing strategy.

The new plan outlines how the local authority will prioritise schemes to promote a fair housing market and drive-up standards in the private rented sector.

It comes after latest figures revealed the number of affordable homes built in the borough has surpassed 2,000, with almost 700 of these council homes.

The strategy, published this month, also prioritises ensuring local town centres are flourishing communities, and supporting older and vulnerable residents, in line with the council’s Progress with Unity ambitions.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “Since 2019, more than 2,100 affordable homes have been built in our borough. More than 680 of these are council homes.

“There are already around 215 new council homes in the pipeline to be built, and we are either on site or will be soon across the borough, in in Ince, Pemberton, Douglas, and West Leigh.

“I am extremely proud of our strong record in delivering council homes, but this Strategy goes beyond that. It is also about affordable homes, creating opportunities for shared ownership and self-build and more. It represents our most ambitious housing plan yet, setting out how we will work with partners, housing associations, ethical landlords and external providers to create a strong, thriving housing market that delivers for everyone.

“Whether it’s improving the quality of private rented homes, building new council housing, supporting older residents to live safely at home, enforcing against rogue landlords, supporting those at risk of homelessness, and much more, this plan puts our residents at the heart of everything we do.”

The strategy, which runs from 2026 to 2031, highlights five priorities:

• Delivering new homes that meet local needs: how the council, partners and developers will build the right homes in the right places: contributing to vibrant town centres, maximising the use of previously developed land, and creating more opportunities for genuinely affordable housing
• Creating inclusive housing opportunities: ensuring that everyone at every stage of life and income can live somewhere safe, secure and affordable, including driving up standards in the private rented sector, expanding affordable home ownership schemes, and supporting people such as care leavers and people at risk of homeless to access safe, secure homes
• Supporting residents throughout life: Wigan Borough has the fastest ageing population in Greater Manchester. Three new extra care facilities have been built in recent years, in Wigan, Shevington and Leigh, enabling older people to live independently for longer. This Strategy aims to ensure people can stay within their community as they age, in a home that meets their needs
• Excellence as a landlord: Wigan Council is a landlord for 21,000 council homes and is committed to providing high-quality services, working actively with tenants at the heart, alongside investments to build more council homes and improve the existing estate
• Healthy homes and resilient communities: investing in council homes including measures to bring down energy bills, tackling fuel poverty and poor housing conditions, and bringing empty homes back into use, to create strong, resilient communities.

Coun Gambles added: “We are taking an ambitious approach, but we cannot shy away from the challenges. Across the country, housing markets are under pressure with rising prices and rents, and the cost-of-living crisis which has impacted lots of families across our borough.

“By working with our partners and keeping residents at the heart of our plans, this strategy sets out how together we will build stronger neighbourhoods, tackle inequalities, and create more opportunities for people across Wigan Borough.”