17 April 2018

I am pleased to hear that the number of affordable homes for families and young people in South Norfolk is at its highest level since the 1980s.

629 affordable homes for rent and to buy were completed in the district during the last financial year – the highest since records began and up 50% on the previous year.

South Norfolk Council have managed to achieve this provision of affordable housing through a combination of controlled growth and forard planning, and in partnership with the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme – meaning that there are now more affordable homes available to people who would otherwise not be able to get themselves on to the property ladder.

Cllr Yvonne Bendle, Cabinet Member for Housing, Well-being, Leisure and Early Intervention, said:

“Our record on delivering affordable homes and preventing homelessness is second to none and something in which we take great pride. Every affordable home we’ve built is an opportunity for someone to have their own home and a chance for independene. We are keeping families close to each other, supporting our communities and providing local people with houses that they can afford. There has been criticism about the effects of right to buy on the affordable housing supply but we have shown that with the right approach we can provide housing options and help prevent homelessness. South Norfolk now has more affordable housing than ever before.”