9,000 homes to be built by government programme

9,000 homes to be built by government programme



The government is encouraging local councils to release surplus public land and property as part of its productivity plan….


The government is encouraging local councils to release surplus public land and property as part of its productivity plan.
The 32 councils currently on the ‘One Public Estate’ programme expect to provide 9,000 homes and 20,000 jobs over the next five years.
They also expect to raise £129m in capital receipts from land sales and cut running costs by £77m.
The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock, Minister for Cabinet Office, said: “Over the last five years the government’s property reforms have raised £1.4bn for hard-working taxpayers and in the years ahead we will go further, and faster.”
“By freeing up land and encouraging growth we are helping local communities to spring to life and find a new use for old government land.”
In this year’s budget, the government announced £6m was to be spent forming new partnerships of councils to improve local services and boost local growth.
Some new partnerships have already been formed as part of the programme. 
City of York council has been working with Network Rail to release city centre land for the development of 1,100 new homes and 80,000 square metres of central business district.
Councillor Gary Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, added: “It’s clear this is not easy work and the investment of time, energy and patience, as well as funds, needs to go hand in hand with strong leadership.”
“But I think what the One Public Estate programme has shown us is that the hard work is worth it.”
 

 



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