More Government cash for new council homes.

UK Housing Minister John Healey announced 73 councils covering every region of England will share an extra £122.6million for new council home building. Councils will match this second round Government grant bringing investment in this round to £246million , and total public investment in the programme as a whole to over £500million to build more than 4,000 new council homes for 8,000 people.

In a clear break with council houses of the past, John Healey also confirmed that many will be new family homes, whilst all will be highly energy efficient and add to the mixed make-up of local neighbourhoods.Mr Healey has required all councils receiving Government funds to offer apprenticeship and local job recruitment schemes, creating thousands of jobs including apprenticeship places.

Thirty-five of the 73 councils receiving funding in this second wave will extend their council house building work which is already underway after successful round one bids, while 38 councils receive this government backing for the first time. Eighty-six councils bid for the second round of house building with projects totalling more than double the funds earmarked.

On a visit to the Thames View Estate in Barking this week, John Healey said:

"Councils have shown they'e ready and willing to build new homes, so I'm ready to back them. This year's Government spending for affordable housing will be the largest for at least two decades.

"More affordable homes for rent are needed in every part of the country. We're using the power of public investment to help economic growth by building the homes we need and creating jobs and skills for the future. And we must get the most for every taxpayer's pound, so I am requiring all councils getting this government money to offer new jobs and apprenticeships to local people.

"Today's announcement also signals a new style of council housing that adds to the mixed make-up of local neighbourhoods. Forty per cent of the homes being built will be three and four-bedroom family homes which are designed to high energy efficiency standards and will often be built alongside existing private housing."

Homes and Communities Agency chief executive Sir Bob Kerslake said:

"The level of interest has been tremendous and demonstrates the appetite of local authorities to lead directly on affordable housing supply. Deciding between the bids has been challenging, but the outcome is a really strong set of schemes that meet a high standard. I am particularly pleased with the number intending to deliver to a higher energy efficient standard."