The Government's original aspiration to deliver 150,000 new homes by 2015 will be exceeded.
The Affordable Homes Programme has surpassed expectations, with 146 providers sharing almost £1.8 billion to build 80,000 homes under the programme.
As well as putting the programme on track to deliver up to 170,000 new homes by 2015, some 80,000 jobs in construction and related trades will be safeguarded.
The Affordable Homes Programme allows social housing providers to charge a rent of up to 80% of the local market level and use the additional income to support delivery of more affordable homes. Providers may also offer flexible tenancies to new tenants
For more details of the programme click here.
First we had Jamie Oliver sorting out school dinners, now we have George Clarke taking on the housing shortage. It seems there's hardly a crisis in the UK that can't be tackled by a well-meaning TV expert.
In a new series commissioned for the Autumn by Channel 4 from Tiger Aspect, architect and Ambassador for Shelter, George Clarke, will set out to raise awareness of the UK's lack of housing and offer practical solutions for those affected.
George will examine why the Government's plan to build new homes is not necessarily the right approach, and suggest more cost effective and efficient ways to utilise the properties that are currently lying empty. He'll be seeking to lobby central government and local councils to commit to re-using empty homes across the whole of the UK.
He says:
"The empty homes problem across Britain is something I've been passionate about for many years and I'm delighted that Channel 4 has decided to commission such a ground breaking programme.
"It is a privilege to be at the centre of something with such amazing power to really make a difference to the lives of many people, not to mention breathing new and much needed life back into some beautiful but neglected properties."
Without doubt the series will make entertaining, thought-provoking viewing. And hopefully the Government officials George speaks to will be happy to tell him about the initiatives we reported on in May, including a £100 million fund to be used in bringing empty properties back into use.
To read more on the Government's plans for making use of empty properties click here.