The Government has announced £1.7bn of funding under the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) for new housing in West and South Yorkshire, comprising £1bn for West Yorkshire and £700m for South Yorkshire.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the funding is aimed at reducing the number of families currently stuck on waiting lists. 180,000 social rent homes are expected to be built in England.
This investment is part of the Government’s previously announced 10-year Affordable Housing Programme, which totals £39bn. Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly said Labour had not revealed when the money would be made available for building.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“With council house waiting lists and private rents at breaking point, addressing the housing crisis is the most fundamental step our Government could take to build a brighter Britain.”
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard emphasised that the funding would ensure everyone in the community has access to “a high-quality home.”
Alongside the social housing investment, a £150m package has been earmarked for mayors to develop brownfield sites, aiming for the construction of 1,600 new homes across Yorkshire.
The Government confirmed that £21m would go towards 841 homes in West Yorkshire, £12.3m for 492 homes in South Yorkshire, and £7.3m for 292 homes in North Yorkshire.