£1bn in funding to build more social housing across West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin said the cash is “a welcome first step towards the full devolution of affordable homes funding.”
WEST Yorkshire will be given £1 BILLION to build more social housing in the coming years – the Government has announced.
And local leaders will be able to say what types of homes should be built, and what areas should get the new housing.
West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin said the cash is “a welcome first step towards the full devolution of affordable homes funding.”
The investment is part of the Government’s previously announced 10-year affordable housing programme.
Under the plans, Greater Manchester is expected to receive £1.8 billion, West Midlands £1.7 billion, the North East £1.1 billion, West Yorkshire £1 billion, and both Liverpool City and South Yorkshire likely to see a £700 million boost.
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.
The announcement comes after concerns over affordable housing targets and the Government’s ability to meet its 1.5 million new homes target were raised by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee last month.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the funding aims to reduce the number of families stuck on social housing waiting lists, with 180,000 social rent homes expected to be built in England.
A £150 million package has also been allocated to mayors to fund the development of brownfield sites, with the aim of building more than 4,000 new homes.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Families have been trapped in so-called temporary accommodation for years or stuck on council waiting lists with no hope of a secure home.
“We’re changing that for good with the biggest boost to social housebuilding in a generation and getting behind mayors who are ready to build affordable housing across their regions.
“We’re also backing councils to build again and transform derelict sites into thriving neighbourhoods, urging them to go big, go bold and go build.”
Bids for funding will open from February.
In response to the announcement, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “With council house waiting lists and private rents at breaking point, addressing the housing crisis is the most fundamental step our government could take to build a brighter Britain.
“By increasing the amount of affordable homes funding and aligning it to regional priorities, this government is empowering Mayors to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes across the country. This is a welcome first step towards the full devolution of affordable homes funding.
“With £1 billion earmarked for West Yorkshire, we will be able to go even further to build on our success, where last year our partners built more affordable homes than at any time since the financial crash.
“Working with the government, our councils and our social housing providers, we’re determined to guarantee a safe and secure roof over the heads of the 2.4 million people who call our region home.”