£165 million road fund to unblock housing

The government has announced a new £165 million fund to remove the barriers holding back housing and key growth developments across England.

The new Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund will target sites where progress has stalled due to funding constraints, delivering the transport improvements and links needed to get building started.

The fund is part of  Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), the government’s £27 billion for England’s motorways and major A-roads from 2026 to 2031.

The money will not only maintain and renew the existing network, but also ensure England’s roads actively support economic growth.

Secretary of State Heidi Alexander said: "Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn’t there to support them.

"This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them.

"It is a deliberate choice - and a signal that this government is serious about removing the barriers to growth."

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: "For many people, the dream of a decent home, close to work, and with good connections to their community, has been out of reach.

"This government is firing on all cylinders to get spades in the ground faster so we can build new homes, bolster our transport links and create jobs in the places most in need.

"This is exactly the kind of targeted, practical action that will help us reach 1.5 million new homes and create thriving communities where people can put down roots."