RISHI Sunak today revealed plans for 180,000 affordable homes as part of his bumper autumn 2021 Budget.
An £11.5billion pot has been set aside for the properties – which includes 160,000 on brownfield land.
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They will be constructed on “neglected” previously developed sites – equivalent to 2,000 football pitches.
Cash will also be spent on improving transport links, schools and other public areas.
The money forms part of the settlement for Michael Gove’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
It will help the government reach its target of building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.
Last year alone a total of 244,000 were constructed – the highest in 12 months for 34 years.
The Chancellor made the announcement during today’s Budget, which he described as “looking to the future and building a stronger economy for the British people”.
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Elsewhere he revealed that “unloved and neglected” urban spaces will be turned into more than 100 “pocket parks” in towns and cities across the country as part of a £9million scheme.
These tennis court-sized spaces will “improve the physical and mental health of our communities”.
In total, about £300million will be spent by local authorities and regional mayors.
Mr Sunak said: “We are investing in better quality, safer, greener and more affordable homes to create thriving places where people want to live.
“One of my favourite pastimes is to go for walks in the park with my family, and I want to make sure everyone has green space on their doorstep to enjoy too.
“Transforming our unloved and neglected urban spaces will help protect our cherished countryside and green spaces, while improving the physical and mental health of our communities.”
Key Budget announcements include:
Budget highlights – Key parts of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s plans for tax and spending
