Govt invites bids for affordable homes programme

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that the prospectus inviting bids for the government’s investment in affordable housing is being launched this week.

The £12.2 billion overall investment in affordable housing was confirmed in the Budget and includes £700 million on new homes through the 2016 to 2022 programme.

A new £11.5 billion affordable homes programme will be delivered over five years from 2021 to 2026, providing up to 180,000 new homes across the country, “should economic conditions allow”. It says that around half of the new homes will be available for affordable home ownership. The rest will be made available for discounted rent, including 10% for supported housing – to support those with physical or mental health challenges.

MHCLG says the programme will unlock a further £38 billion in public and private investment in affordable housing. New homes will be made available from next year.

Nearly £7.5 billion will be delivered outside London by Homes England, with the Greater London Authority offered £4 billion -negotiations about what they will deliver with this funding are in progress.

Homes England will publish its Affordable Homes Programme prospectus this week, inviting councils, housing associations and private providers to start preparing their bids. New homes will be …