Thousands of latest houses to be constructed with £20m increase – with one huge distinction

It’s the first time government funding has been used to support community housebuilding at this scale – and could build as many as 2,500 homes

Thousands of new homes could be built and owned by community groups after a £20 million government boost.

The investment, announced today, will see local communities get more power to design and build high quality housing – including social and affordable homes.

The homes will, the Housing department says, be built by local people for local people, through groups like community land trusts and housing co-oeratives.

It’s hoped more than 2,500 new homes will be supported by the funding over the next decade.

It’s the first time government funding has been used to support community housebuilding at this scale – and will help groups with critical barriers like finding capital.

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Co-operative Party General Secretary Joe Fortune said: “This government understands that putting power into communities is good for growth and good for local people.

“Today’s funding boost for community-led housing will allow more communities to benefit from housing projects owned by the people who call them home.

“Alongside plans to give locals strong new rights to own community assets like sports clubs, pubs and parks, and support for communities to own new clean energy projects, this government is rightly putting communities in the driving seat.”

It follows last week’s £10m funding pot for locally-owned energy projects, as part of GB Energy’s plans to make sure communities reap the benefits of clean energy.