Millions to help fast-track housing projects in West Yorkshire
The scheme is part of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s mission to turbocharge regeneration by supporting the development of housing across the region.
11 October 2023
Plans to invest £3.2 million to help fast-track housing projects are expected to be approved by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority tomorrow (12 October).
It is hoped that the funding will speed up delivery of up to 2,405 new, sustainable and high-quality homes in the region. This will include 481 much-needed affordable homes.
The scheme is part of Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin’s mission to turbocharge regeneration by supporting the development of housing across the region.
It includes projects in places such as Bradford City Village, Castleford Housing Zone, Dewsbury Riverside, Brighouse, and Leeds City Centre.
Known as the Housing Revenue Accelerator Fund, the money will support the region’s five local authorities to deliver the staffing and preparatory site work needed to speed up housing proposals.
It comes after the West Yorkshire Combined Authority partnered with Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, earlier this year to boost delivery of thousands more homes in West Yorkshire.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council and Chair of the Place, Housing and Regeneration Committee, said:
“This new scheme will support thousands of high-quality, sustainable homes in West Yorkshire.
“Having access to good quality housing is a fundamental human need, and we want to build on our partnership with Homes England to ensure everyone has a safe, sustainable, and affordable place to call home.
“We’re committed to working with our excellent housing providers to support our communities and make West Yorkshire a happier, more vibrant place to live.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“We want everyone in West Yorkshire to have a safe and secure place to call home.
“We’re using our devolved funding to build the high quality, sustainable and truly affordable homes that West Yorkshire needs.
“This will support our crucial work by laying the foundations for housing projects across the region.”
The scheme also aims to support higher energy efficiency standards — boosting the number of sustainable homes in the region and helping households save money on their energy bills.