THURROCK Council says it welcomes a government announcement that councils can soon submit bids for a portion of a £12billion Affordable Homes Programme.

The council intends to apply for the investment to create more much-needed affordable housing for residents across the borough. The initiative, which represents the highest single funding commitment to affordable housing in a decade, was presented as part of the government's 2020 Budget in March.

Funding for the scheme will be delivered over five years from 2021 to 2026 and is expected to build 180,000 new homes across the country within that timeframe. Almost half will be affordable housing, with the other half made up of discounted rent homes, including supported housing.

Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "I am delighted by this news and look forward to seeing first-hand how this investment will impact residents in Thurrock.

"We are committed to investing in affordable housing and this latest development in the government's programme is the next step to achieving this goal. It is vital that more individuals, families and households across Thurrock should be able to benefit from new high quality housing."