Local Councillors have welcomed the news that Councils across Dorset have been given financial support from the Government to drive forward community-led affordable housing. Funding has been received to help mitigate the impact of second homes which are prevalent across the County.
The Community Housing Fund sees Local Authorities across Dorset receive funding that can be used to support community group with capital support and with technical support to make more schemes viable and help community group’s to deliver schemes such as Community Land Trusts that look to provide affordable homes for local residents.
Cllr Laura Miller, Housing Portfolio Holder at Purbeck District Council says “This is very welcome as Purbeck is an area that is particularly affected by second home ownership. We have been working hard to find practical solutions that provide the houses that local people need and this money will be a good boost. I have recently formed Purbeck Affordable and Social Housing Forum, and am excited to work with them to see how we can best use this financial support within our communities.”
Mid Dorset & North Poole MP, Michael Tomlinson added “I know how hard local Councils are working to meet the housing needs of local residents. As always with housing, it is an important balance to strike between overdevelopment and providing homes that we need. Community-led housing schemes are a great way to provide affordable and sustainable developments and I know that this new support will make a difference.”
Total funding across Dorset is in excess of £5million with Local Authorities receiving an allocation based on the number of second homes in their area. The funding, which was announced in the Budget 2016 will be paid in two tranches with the first tranche available now.
Deputy Leader of East Dorset District Council and Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Simon Gibson said “We have exciting projects across Dorset where we are working with the community to provide much needed affordable housing. This funding is recognition of the importance of community- led housing and it is very gratefully received.”