Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
New homes to be built under Affordable Housing Scheme
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has backed the expansion of an initiative to provide low-cost loans to housing providers.
20,000 new homes will be built across the country under the Affordable Homes Scheme.
Due to an £3 billion increase in a Government-backed loan fund, the scheme can now be used to upgrade existing properties.
Providers will be able to apply for loans to carry out vital building safety works, such as the removal of dangerous cladding.
Housing minister Lee Rowley said: “We know getting cost-effective loans can be a stumbling block for many developers building more affordable homes or upgrading their existing stock, so it is of the quality tenants deserve.”
Launched in 2020, the Affordable Homes Scheme has allowed 12 providers to deliver over 6,000 new homes.
As part of the scheme, providers will be able to apply for loans to help make homes fit for the future. These energy upgrades, such as solar panels, could potentially save tenants hundreds of pounds on their energy.
Watford Community Housing is one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, and they have built 200 new homes since accessing the scheme in 2021.
Watford community housing chief executive Paul Richmond said: “The benefit of using the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme in terms of pricing over our 30-year plan is worth nearly 100 additional homes being delivered into our local community.”
The scheme is part of a bid from the Government to build 1 million homes this Parliament and deliver 300,000 homes a year.
Latest News
21/01/2025 - 10:10
The Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which met for the first time yesterday (20th January 2025), has had its members announced, and will aim to boost collaboration between the government and the tourism industry.
21/01/2025 - 09:51
The Mining Remediation Authority have launched their Gateshead mine water heat Living Laboratory, a pioneering new research initiative that aims to brand the potential of mine water heat technology in the UK and contribute to a net zero future.
21/01/2025 - 09:29
The government has announced plans to leverage technology and AI tools to streamline public services, improve data sharing and reduce costs.
20/01/2025 - 10:30
The Welsh Government has announced a £700,000 investment to help Cwtch Mawr, a multibank in Swansea, expand its reach and offer free essentia
20/01/2025 - 10:16
The Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding has been tripled from £10 million to £30 million.
Company Focus
At Elite Refuse, we pride ourselves on offering unrivalled customer service, expert industry knowledge, and complete flexibility to meet our customers’ needs.
Event Diary
19-20 November 2025, ExCeL London
elementalLONDON’s debut show is the latest launch from the team behind InstallerSHOW, building on the success of the elemental digital brand, which delivers news, views and solutions on reaching net zero to its audience of built environment professionals.
Education Business LIVE is a carefully designed conference and exhibition bringing together education people with a passion for the promotion and development of effective school leadership, management, learning and teaching.
Supplier Profiles
At Frontline Cleaners Express Ltd, we understand the importance of a pristine, hygienic environme
Latest Features
Prior to the general election, the Institute of Economic Development (IED), which represents economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities, asked members the question: what is your single biggest ask of the incoming government to support economic development? Tom Stannard explains.
There are many unique venues for hire in Essex that are suitable for accommodating your meetings, conferences, and events. Conveniently located close to London, the country offers a unique combination of coast, town, and country -- the perfect backdrop for your next business get together.
