Whitehall has launched a £163m ‘affordable home’ fund available to community-led housing groups across England.
The Government hopes the new fund will expand the housing supply through the community-led sector and provide housing that’s affordable for local incomes.
The Government’s definition of what counts as an ‘affordable’ home was recently criticised by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Funding outside London is being allocated by Homes England across two phases, while a separate programme for London will be delivered by the Greater London Authority.
‘Community-led housing is about local people playing a leading role in solving local housing problems to provide affordable homes and strengthen communities in ways that aren’t always possible to achieve through mainstream housing,’ said Homes England chief executive Nick Walkley.
‘At Homes England, we’re determined to increase the supply of homes across all tenures and increase capacity in the housing sector.
‘This is a really important fund, which will offer lasting impact and we look forward to receiving bids from community groups across England.’
Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, commented: ‘We’re delighted the Government has recognised the vital role community-led housing can play in delivering much-needed affordable housing. It’s the fastest growing new form of housing in the country.
‘The new Community Housing Fund will provide long-lasting opportunities for communities everywhere so they can go out and build the homes they really want and need.’
Bidding is open to a range of organisations, including local authorities, who will be able to apply on behalf of community groups to support them through this process.