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David Ward MP <>
Cash boost for new homes in Bradford – David Ward
April 6, 2011 11:22 AM
Bradford MP, David Ward, welcomes Coalition spending on affordable homes 
Bradford is set to receive £2.8 million extra this year through the New Homes Bonus, it was announced yesterday.
Through the New Homes Bonus, the Government will match the council tax raised from new homes for the first six years, with a further bonus of £350 per year for each new affordable home. Empty homes brought back into use will also qualify.
The cash was announced on Monday in the House of Commons and is new money over and above councils existing budgets. Local authorities are free to spend their money on anything they like, from Council Tax discounts for local residents, to reinvesting it in more new housing.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"This is great news for Bradford. The New Homes Bonus is a powerful incentive to get house building going again, and reward communities at the same time.
"The previous Labour government's record on delivering social and affordable homes was woeful. But the extra incentive for affordable homes is vital at a time when it is so difficult for local people - particularly young adults - to get on the housing ladder.
"Today's announcement will also provide a much needed economic boost to our local area at a time when public finances are tight."
Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell, said:
"Labour's approach was a failure and house building declined to its lowest peacetime level since 1924.
"The New Homes Bonus will reward councils who kick-start house building in their local area, and will help top-up their finances at this difficult time."