£83 million for 5,700 new and affordable homes

Housing Minister John Healey has announced £83 million to get building over 5,700 new and affordable homes stalled by the recession back on track.

The extra funding means nearly 5,700 homes are now going ahead and the minister has already given 141 projects cash to get back on track, with workers back on many of these sites.

1,700 jobs in the construction have also been safeguarded and 99 additional young people the chance to learn the building trade due to the requirement that that those receiving funding must provide apprenticeships and opportunities for local workers.

As part of the Government's drive to make new homes cleaner and greener, priority has been given to those schemes which are set to meet high environmental standards, with the overwhelming majority of successful schemes meeting at least Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Low cost homes for sale on sites across every region of the country are getting support so more families can take their first step onto the housing ladder through the Government's HomeBuy scheme – which has already helped over 130,000 families buy their first home.

Schemes receiving funding include City Point, Derby, where Morris Homes will receive £768,000 Kickstart funding to build 69 homes, Crediton Road, West Devon, where Persimmon will receive £1,772,250 funding to deliver 72 homes and Hardwick Green, Stocton-on-Tees, where Barratt will receive £1,116,900 for 50 affordable homes.

Healey has now allocated more than £3.6 billion for housebuilding since June, funding nearly 68,000 new homes.

Healey said: "We're putting the weight of Government investment into building much-needed affordable homes, keeping people in work and giving young people a chance of apprenticeships."

Further information:
Homes and Communities Agency