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Builders' body backs proposed New Homes Bonus
16/11/10
Edited by Andy Jowett.Government proposals for a New Homes Bonus to reward councils that give the green light to residential property developments have been welcomed by one builders' group.
Steve Turner, head of communications at the Home Builders Federation (HBF), said he welcomed ministers providing clarity on the planned system.
Under the scheme, local authorities that backed housing construction would get a share of a £1 billion pot to spend on their area on council tax discounts, frontline services or community facilities.
Mr. Turner said the New Homes Bonus will provide a way to help town halls generate much-needed revenue following the cuts in the comprehensive spending review, while also delivering the properties they need.
He added that if the proposal fails, a "stiff approach" might be required.
"While a lot of people don't want housing built near them, we have a housing crisis in this country and we have got to find a way of delivering the homes that we need," Mr. Turner argued.
Elsewhere, the Federation of Master Builders said that if the incentive scheme results in the numbers of homes needed to keep up with demand, it will be a "massive achievement".
