Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Cooper announces new polices for affordable homes

Friday, 26 October 2007 12:00 AM

Housing minister, Yvette Cooper, today announced two new policies designed increase the number of affordable homes in the UK.

The first is designed to provide more cash to local authorities that develop robust plans to build more affordable property.

In areas where total housing stock is increasing by more than 0.75 per cent annually, authorities could get an additional £1,100 for each house built from the government - on top of infrastructure funding and other contributions.

Support could rise from £1,100 to £5,000 per home by 2010/11.

The second tenant of the plan will financially reward local authorities which develop plans to reduce the number of empty properties in under their jurisdiction.

The government hopes to work with owners of empty properties to bring them back on the market, either through offering advice on selling or, as a last resort, employing empty management dwelling orders to force a sale.

Unveiling the policies Ms Cooper said: "We need to provide more homes for the first time buyers and families of this and future generations.

"That's why we pledged £8 billion of investment for more affordable and social homes. We want to give more support to communities and councils who are doing their bit to deliver the extra housing needed, including bringing more empty homes back into use."

The money is in addition to the £10.2 billon announced last week to improve standards of social housing across the country.

The news comes after a National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) announcement earlier today that even ambitious government building targets may not be sufficient to meet future demands for property in the UK.

Present plans to build 240,000 homes annually up to 2016 may still not lower the cost of property according to the report.

Government policy has also been questioned by other sources.

Commenting on the report, the Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister, Paul Holmes, said: "The government must free councils from the shackles of central control.

"The bribery and micromanagement of local authorities that has characterised the last decade will not provide communities with the social housing they desperately need.

"Whitehall targets have created the housing crisis.

"What is required is a new system that gives councils the funding and freedom to provide affordable homes according to local needs, not central diktat."

Related stories

New homes

New Homes Bonus to boost affordable housing

Starting in April, the scheme will provide "powerful, simple and transparent" incentives to help councils deliver more accommodation.

 Boris Johnson

Boris slammed over affordable homes 'double-count'

Labour accuses London mayor’s adviser of counting 16,000 homes twice to boost administration’s record.
Building site at sunset

More affordable homes to be built than expected

Grant Shapps has revealed that 170,000, rather than 150,000, new affordable homes are now likely to be built.

 Frame of new house being built

40,000 affordable homes plan binned, says report

The government has abandoned its target of building 40,000 affordable homes on land reclaimed from the public sector.
Planning reforms will deliver desperately needed new homes not concrete over countryside, says government. Image: Thinkstock

Government challenges new homes ‘myths’

Document challenges claims by campaigners that planning reforms will be a developer’s charter.

 RIBA says property buyers are denied space in cramped new build homes. Image: Thinkstock

Architects attack ‘shoe box’ new homes

RIBA says property buyers are denied space in cramped new build homes.
Cheshire could be one of the areas to benefit from the additional funding.

HCA allocates cash for affordable homes

Housing associations in North West and South get £60 million from government agency.

 Housebuilder reveals major construction project

Barratt announces Olympic homes plan

Barratt is to begin building 1,000 homes in East London before the start of the Olympic games.
Wasteland near Basingstoke

HCA to release land for 3,000 new homes

The Homes and Communities Agency is to release land later onto the open market to allow development of around 3,000 homes.

 Westminster

Government announces Affordable Rent programme

Grant Shapps has confirmed his plans for "the most radical reforms to social housing for a generation".

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Why increasing amounts of people are opting for house shares

London is an expensive place to live, however, house shares offer you the opportunity to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital for a fraction of the price you would pay to live on your own, making them a cost-effective way forward.

Why sliding door wardrobes are the best choice for small spaces

When bedroom space is at a premium, you need to be creative with the furniture you invest in. In terms of the wardrobe, you may want to consider those with sliding doors, as they are the most practical in small bedrooms thanks to the doors.

The durability of mahogany furniture is ideal for the office

For office-based businesses it is vital to invest in high-quality furniture that is both practical and comfortable to use. While there are many products to choose from, the benefits on hand with items made from mahogany mean it is an option you should be certain to consider.