Sylvia Heal

Sylvia Heal backs housing plan set to help families and first time buyers

Sylvia Heal MP has welcomed the Government’s ambitious national plan to build more affordable, better designed and environmentally friendly homes to help first time buyers and families in Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

A new £8 billion package for affordable homes was announced by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper. The plans outline a commitment to build at least 70,000 affordable houses a year by 2010 -11. This includes 45,000 new social homes a year, more than doubling the amount built each year compared to 2004, and a goal of 50,000 social homes a year in the next spending review.
By 2020 3 million new homes will have been built, with ambitious building targets and increased investment. Homes will be built more quickly by unblocking the planning system and releasing land for development. The new plans also include a target that will see all new homes by 2016 become zero carbon, with milestones that by 2010 new homes should emit 25% less carbon; and by 2013, 44% less carbon.

Sylvia Heal MP said: “We haven’t been building enough homes across the country and it’s crucial that we take action now. I know from talking to constituents that affordable housing for families and young people is a growing need. That is why I am supporting the Government’s measures to build more affordable homes.
“I believe it is important that we build homes in a more environmentally friendly way. I was pleased to visit the new Francis Court development in Halesowen a few months ago. It is an excellent example of smart design helping to reduce climate change, a new Housing Association development of 15 apartments in a two story building. The complex will have a “zero carbon” rating, with super insulated floors, ceiling and windows, so much so that the rooms require no additional heating. I hope we will see more homes like Francis Court in the local area over the coming years.”