Twenty-one councils have been successful in their applications for the Local Government Association’s (LGA) 2022/23 Housing Advisers Programme (HAP), according to the LGA.

The programme funds the provision of independent expertise for councils undertaking specific projects to tackle the effects of the affordable housing crisis.

It provides a £20,000 grant to local authorities looking for help with housing delivery, planning for homes, and reducing homelessness.

Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: ‘We are delighted to announce the successful applicants of the latest round of the Housing Advisers Programme.

‘The Housing Advisers Programme is an important part of the LGA’s sector-led improvement offer, working in partnership with central government to empower councils to meet their local challenges. HAP has delivered huge benefits to councils since it was first launched, helping local areas address the challenges of the housing crisis.

‘It has proven an excellent source of knowledge and expertise for councils, sharing innovative ideas and ways to improve, whether it’s building new homes, tackling homelessness or planning thriving and flourishing places and economies.’

This year’s successful applicants are:

• Ashford Borough Council

• Dacorum Borough Council

• Derby City Council

• Durham County Council

• Ealing Council

• East Suffolk Council

• Gateshead Council

• Gloucestershire County Council

• Hertfordshire County Council

• Kirklees Council

• Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

• London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

• London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

• London Councils

• Luton Borough Council

• North East Derbyshire District Council

• North Kesteven District Council

• Norwich City Council

• Plymouth City Council

• Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

• Woking Borough Council