Mayors across England are being encouraged to "go big" with ambitious social housing strategies that could be backed by billions of pounds in funding.

Regional leaders outside London will have the ability to identify the housing types required in their localities and determine which locations should take priority for development as part of their funding applications.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed called on councils to "go big, go bold and go build".

The investment forms part of the Government's previously announced 10-year affordable housing programme, which totals £39 billion.

According to the proposals, Greater Manchester is anticipated to secure £1.8 billion, West Midlands £1.7 billion, the North East £1.1 billion, West Yorkshire £1 billion, with both Liverpool City and South

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