14 November 2008
By Neil Merrick
Local authorities are to receive a total of £101m to help ensure that house building continues during the economic downturn and that the industry is primed for when the economy improves.
The money is being given to councils that work closely with housing associations and private developers, and provide sufficient land for new homes.
This is the first year that money has been awarded through the housing and planning delivery grant scheme. A total of £40m is going to authorities that plan to increase the number of homes locally by at least 0.75%. The remainder is allocated for meeting planning incentives.
The largest allocation is going to Manchester (£1.8m). Eight other councils will receive more than £1m.
Announcing the allocations on November 10, housing minister Margaret Beckett said the need for more homes had not gone away, adding: 'We are determined to continue to do everything possible to ensure long-term fairness in the housing market across the country — including providing more affordable homes.'
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