New affordable homes being built in the UK were up 55pc compared to the number of new homes delivered last year.
Figures released reveal that 66,640 new affordable homes were built, which is the fastest growth rate seen in the UK since 1993.
News of the figures was welcomed by Communities Secretary Greg Clark who said this was further proof of the government’s commitment to get more homes built.
In announcement, Mr. Clark said that the number of social and affordable rented homes has increased by nearly two thirds, and the number of affordable homes to buy rose by 41pc.
He said;
“We are far from complacent and the doubling of government investment in house building announced at the recent Spending Review reaffirms our commitment to deliver a million new homes by 2020.”
He pointed out that affordable homes to rent and buy are a key part of that, helping to give young people and families across the country the best possible start in life.
Figures proved that the house-building efforts are paying off, according to Brandon Lewis, the Housing Minister. He said;
“This is real progress but there is more to do. That’s why we are going further and increasing our investment in these homes to ensure many more people can benefit.”
New Affordable Homes
Since 2010, it means the UK has developed over 210,000 new affordable homes, a number set to increase further with the Government pledge £8 Billion as they look to deliver a further one million homes.
Part of this budget will see the UK delivering a large scale new affordable homes building programme to help boost the housing stock.
Other changes for house building are plans to give communities the power to grant permission, in principle, on sites identified in local plans and on Brownfield registers.
It is hoped this will help speed up the planning system while at the same time protecting the green belt and planning reforms to support small builders.