South Yorkshire Housing Association welcomes funds for affordable housing in spending review
The Chancellor's earmarked £39bn for social and affordable housing over the next ten years.
The "biggest cash injection" in social and affordable homes in England has been welcomed by charities and housing providers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will invest £39 billion over the next decade.
Delivering her spending review statement in the Commons on Wednesday (10th June), she said social housing had been "neglected for too many decades" and that she wanted to ensure people had the "security of a proper home".
She said: "A plan to match the scale of the housing crisis must include social housing - neglected for too many decades, but not by this Labour Government."
Ms Reeves said the Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner - who is also Housing Secretary - is now "taking action".
Ms Reeves added: "I am proud to announce the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years - a new Affordable Homes Programme in which I am investing £39 billion over the next decade.
"Direct Government funding to support housebuilding especially for social rent and I am pleased to report that towns and cities including Blackpool, Preston, Sheffield and Swindon already have plans to bring forward bids to build those homes in their communities."
Social rent homes are known as social housing, where rents are linked to local incomes, and can cater for people living in temporary accommodation, meaning they are officially classed as homeless.
Affordable housing is wider, covering things such as affordable rent and shared ownership.
'Investment is vital to building much-needed homes in the region.'
Matt Harrison, Chair of the South Yorkshire Housing Association- who provide homes and support services to residents across the region, welcomes the funding.
"Providing the affordable homes needed by local communities has a crucial role in making South Yorkshire a great to live, thrive, and work- as well as boosting local investment and economic growth.
"We really welcome the Government's commitment to offering more affordable homes to our region and beyond."
"Investment and support is vital to building much-needed homes in the region.
"In South Yorkshire alone, there are around 40,000 people on social housing waiting lists and 6,000 people classed as homeless.
"So we absolutely need to be increasing the number of affordable homes on offer."
He added: "A safe, secure, and affordable home is the foundation for a good life- and everyone deserves a decent home to settle in.
"Building more of these will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people and families, while supporting these local communities to thrive."