A multimillion pound fund has been unveiled to help ensure councils can free up land on which to build homes, it has been revealed.

Caroline Flint, housing minister, has launched a grant for local authorities over the next three years to help them construct properties for areas which are in-demand for housing.

Although those receiving such funds have a duty to identify land for housing developments by themselves, they are free to invest the money in what areas they see fit.

In 2008-09 £100 million will be allocated to councils, with this rising to £160 million in 2009-10.

By 2010-11, authorities will receive £250 million.

Such news might be of interest to those seeking planning jobs in the housing sector.

Overall, the fund is worth some £510 million.

Ms Flint said: "We are determined to continue to do everything possible to promote long-term stability and fairness in the housing market.

"The long-term need to provide more homes has not gone away."

In other news, it was recently revealed that Estuary Housing Association is to receive financial assistance from the Housing Corporation to help build affordable homes.

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