£1.3bn for new housing and infrastructure projects

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed £1.3bn for thousands of new homes and infrastructure projects. 

This move is part of the government’s plan to upgrade local infrastructure and boost skills to help a green economic recovery.

Projects include £23m for phase one of the development of commercial space at Mayfield Park in Greater Manchester and £14.88m to accelerate the National Brownfield Land Institute.

To deliver a further 26,000 new homes while protecting greenfield sites, the government has also confirmed a £360m investment in Mayoral Combined Authority areas.

The new £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme,  will also ee the government fund up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements of over 600,000 homes.

Tradespeople must register for TrustMark accreditation to take part in the scheme, which will cover green home improvements ranging from the insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to the installation of low-carbon heating, like heat pumps or solar thermal.

Households on a low income can receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: ‘As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.

‘This government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much-needed boost to our economic recovery, but it will also help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.’

Business and Energy Secretary Rt Hon Alok Sharma added: ‘Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.

‘Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.’

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