The industry has been reacting to Andy Burnham’s appointment as the UK’s new prime minister, welcoming his ascent to Number 10 and stating their housing hopes under his governance. Giving a brief speech today (July 20) after taking up his position, the new PM reiterated his plan to build more council homes. “That’s the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down,” Burnham said. He also revealed a plan to end rough sleeping. Paul Rickard, Pocket Living’s chief executive, said the new PM had “placed housing at the very heart of his domestic agenda”. He commented: “It is vital that his new administration not only continues with the planning reform agenda of the previous one but seriously gets to grips with the viability challenge currently strangling the housebuilding sector across the UK.” Rickard also urged Burnham “to be beyond bold” on addressing some of the other barriers to housing delivery.