- Cabinet approves council to apply to become a Homes England partner
- Grant funding applications to support new affordable and social housing developments
- First planned application
- Funding would support the next phase of social housing at the Twomlows site in Wilnecote
Tamworth Borough Council has taken an important step towards delivering more affordable and social housing after cabinet approved plans for the authority to apply to become a Homes England partner.
If agreed by Homes England, it will allow the council to apply for grant funding to support social housing and affordable housing development. This approach allows the council to respond promptly to funding opportunities, to support the capital costs of building new social housing and help bring forward future housing developments across the borough.
Homes England grants would help fund a portion of development costs, with the remaining investment coming from the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and other approved resources. Where funding bids are successful, more social housing homes could be delivered for local people without placing the full financial burden on the council.
The first grant, if successful, will deliver the next phase of social housing development at the Twomlows site in Wilnecote. Future applications may also be submitted for other eligible projects as they are developed.
Becoming a Homes England partner does not commit the council to any specific development, funding agreement or future expenditure. Any proposals for housing schemes will continue to be subject to the council's established appraisal, governance and approval processes before they can proceed.
Stephen Gabriel, chief executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Becoming a Homes England partner will be an important step for the council in actively seeking to deliver more social housing and affordable homes for our community.
“Any grant will allow us to make the most of available resources while continuing to provide high-quality, sustainable housing that meets the needs of local families. “
The council remains committed to making sure all housing projects meet strict financial, environmental, and equality standards, with each scheme subject to careful appraisal before implementation. Residents can expect new homes that are energy-efficient, sustainable, and designed to benefit those most in need.