£1.5bn affordable housing investment made

The unveiling of a £1.5 billion investment is set to provide a significant boost to affordable housing in the country, it has been suggested.

Announced by Gordon Brown, the Building Britain’’s Future project will see those with housing jobs at councils and housing associations receive additional funding to build around 15,500 new affordable homes.

Of these, more than 11,000 will be made available on a social rental basis, with the rest being affordable housing.

Meanwhile, the Kickstart programme – which looks to get work on stalled housing projects back on track – is to be extended, delivering a further 13,000 properties.

Housing minister John Healey adds that construction on the homes is set to begin in the next few months.

"Alongside the significant increase in housing stock we will also work with councils to ensure the social housing system is responsive to local priorities and preferences," states Mr Healey, in comments that are likely to be of interest to those searching for jobs in housing.

Earlier this week, an eight-property development was launched in Newcastle, the first council-backed homes to be built in the city since 1987.