Cash bonuses for new home construction

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 15:50:51 GMT

Communities that build new homes could benefit from a cash injection under new plans.

A New Homes Bonus package of over £430 million is to be made available to communities that build more properties, housing minister Grant Shapps has revealed.

The money, which is more than double last year's funding for the same initiative, will be spread between 353 councils and will go towards both new residences and older ones being brought back into use.

Mr Shapps said the additional finance will encourage neighbourhoods to get behind development schemes.

"There is a culture shift taking place across the country - communities that are going for growth are reaping rewards for their local area," he explained.

Previous methods of "top-down targets" often led to the wrong kinds of homes being constructed, the government official added.

Mr Shapps was recently at the opening of three new bungalows on Wheatley Road at Welwyn Garden City, which are part of the local authority's drive to create more affordable housing for families.
 

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