Progress builds on combined authority housing plans

Eleven affordable housing schemes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are set to receive a cash injection to accelerate the delivery of housing in the area.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) will meet next week to agree £4.56m of grant funding to 11 schemes for 253 affordable new homes split across all the partner local authorities for the benefit of their local families.

All schemes are expected to start on site before the end of March 2018, with a number of projects commencing before the end of this year.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority portfolio holder for new homes and communities, and Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Peter Topping, said:

“These 11 sites are the start of our ambition to do something radical to support people's housing needs. By committing an initial £4.56m of grant funding, we will allow developers to forge ahead with the delivery of the much-needed homes in our area.”

“I'm also delighted to see schemes in South Cambridgeshire. Affordable housing is a huge issue in South Cambridgeshire because of the unprecedented growth in the district. People doing vital and worthwhile jobs such as nursery teachers, nurses and communications engineers simply cannot afford to live here, unless we do something. The first wave of schemes is about driving forward the delivery of affordable homes and the Combined Authority is making carefully considered interventions using the money negotiated from government last year to do this."

On Monday (24 July), the Combined Authority will host a housing summit at South Cambs Hall with developers, builders and providers from across the region. They will discuss how the private and public sector will work together to accelerate and sustain the delivery of 100,000 much needed homes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough over the next 20 years as well as identify any potential barriers and discuss solutions.

Mayor for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, James Palmer, said: “Housing is one of the most important elements of my 100 day plan. I wanted to ensure that we hit the ground running with vital provision and funding so that local people can see how seriously we are taking the problems they are facing today.

“It’s equally important to meet with developers, builders and providers who will be instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitious long term targets. By starting the conversation now, we can ensure that the development of the Combined Authority’s strategy for housing delivery is informed by the region’s industry specialists.”

The Combined Authority received a £100m housing and infrastructure fund from Central Government to deliver new affordable homes over a five-year period in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. This includes the delivery of affordable rented and shared ownership housing.

Cambridge has received a separate ring-fenced £70m grant fund to build more council rented homes in the city.