The announcements include a commitment to build at least 70,000 affordable houses a year by 2010-11. This includes 45,000 new social homes a year - more than doubling the amount built each year compared to 2004, and a goal of 50,000 social homes a year in the next spending review.
This is backed by £8 billion investment from the Comprehensive Spending Review for 2008 to 2010-11 - a £3 billion increase over the current spending period. An additional £300m for transport infrastructure to support new homes was also announced. This comes on top of mainstream transport budgets and the £19 billion already being invested across Government in infrastructure to ensure we build communities, not just homes.
The Green Paper focuses on three key principles and sets out measures and funding to ensure that we:
- Increase the supply of new homes
- Provide more affordable homes; and
- Build greener, better designed homes.
The Government is seeking views on the Green Paper’s proposals and on specific questions. Responses and comments should be received by CLG by 15 October 2007. For further information and a downloadable copy of the Green Paper, use the internet link below.