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Mayors outside of London are being urged to set out ambitious social housing plans which will be backed by £7 billion in funding.

Local leaders will be able to specify the types of homes needed in their areas and which sites to prioritise for construction as part of their funding bids.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed urged councils to “go big, go bold and go build”.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire

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

Under the plans, Greate

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