30/01/2015

More Than 350 Councils To Receive New Homes Bonus Payments

Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, has published the final allocations of New Homes Bonus Payments to over 350 councils in England.

The total awarded to councils since the scheme's introduction is£3.4 billion, for delivering more than 700,000 new homes and conversions, and bringing over 100,000 empty homes back into use.

Launched in 2011, it is a permanent part of the local government finance system and matches the additional council tax raised for new homes and empty homes brought back into use for 6 years.

Councils are then free to use the funding as they see fit to benefit their local area.

Minister Lewis said: "In the past councils were penalised for supporting new housebuilding – now, thanks to the New Homes Bonus, those that build are rewarded for it.

"Since the scheme's launch communities have received some £3.4 billion for delivering over 700,000 new homes, and bringing empty homes down to a record low.

"It continues to offer a clear incentive for residents to say yes to new development – on top of the powers we've given them to determine where homes get built in their area."

(CD/MH)

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