Cash For Councils To Build Homes

A £500m incentive for councils in England to build more homes has been announced by the government today.The scheme,outlined by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper, is aimed at creating more homes for families and first-time buyers.

The cash will be shared out between councils that build enough homes within a set timescale.

The grants also depend on councils building a certain mix of housing, for example homes for young families rather than just flats. Ministers wants three million new "green" homes built by 2020 to tackle a housing shortage in the UK.

The government is concerned councils are not doing enough to identify the homes their communities need. The money will be given to councils that increase home-building, identify land suitable for new homes and produce clear plans for speeding up the delivery of new homes.
Areas across the country where housing growth is a priority will be targeted such as the south Midlands and the Thames Gateway. The first payments are expected next year.