Another Minister writes....

Kickstart Housebuilding Announcement

Following the recent announcement of the Government’s Housing Pledge by the Prime Minister, as part of Building Britain’s Future, and of the funding arrangements that underpin this programme, I wanted to write personally to let you know about the amount of Kickstart funding your area has secured in the first wave of the programme. Today I am announcing a total of £925m funding which is set to go to 270 projects in every region across England to build 22,400 homes and create around 20,000 jobs in the construction industry.

As you know, I have had to make difficult decisions on housing programmes to support the Housing Pledge. In doing so, I was clear about the additional benefits that the Housing Pledge, could bring to local communities by supporting house building and providing new homes for local residents to rent and buy. I am therefore pleased to confirm that as a result of today's announcement every English region will see a significant increase in Government housing investment over the next two years, and of course there is still more to allocate for good value bids from councils, housing associations and a second kickstart round.

Under my announcement today on the first wave of Kickstart funding, the Local Authority area of Bristol is in line for £24,602,000 for four projects which could see the completion of 459 new homes this year and next. These schemes will now be subject to a rapid due diligence process which will ensure that the schemes which receive final approval are deliverable, represent good value for money and will provide good quality homes.

This announcement is about making a real impact rapidly. It is part of the Government's commitment to invest to help Britain through the recession so it's not just about new homes but also new jobs and benefits in the local community.

Yours sincerely

JOHN HEALEY MP