The 2025/26 accounts, external for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government record the severance payment for Rayner. In her first interview since returning to government, Rayner was pressed on whether she would return the money. Rayner earlier said her criticism of the Conservatives over severance payments came at a time when there was a "revolving door" which saw ministers return to government "after 40-odd days". In May, Rayner resolved her tax affairs with HMRC following an investigation, settling £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty. Burnham has said he wants to deliver "the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period".