<p>The Homes and Communities Agency today published a framework document setting out details of affordable housing provision from 2011-2015 and inviting providers to put forward proposals to secure funding.</p> <p>The £4.5 billion programme is intended to provide 150,000 new homes in the period, and of this £2.3 billion is already allocated and £0.4 billion is for schemes unrelated to new build. That leaves £1.8 billion available for a new Affordable Rent product - the principal element of new supply - and the Affordable Home Ownership products.</p> <p>HCA ceo Pat Ritchie said of today's announcement: "This new approach gives increased flexibilities for local authorities and providers to plan ahead and deliver much needed affordable homes."</p>