GMB welcomes government announcement of 4000 new council homes

11.01.10

GMB welcoming today’s announcement by John Healey, Minister for Housing, of over £500 million funding to build 4,000 new council homes. See Notes to Editors.

Brian Strutton GMB National Secretary for Public Services said “It’s tremendous that despite the pressure on public finances the government has been able to prioritise the need to build council homes. With matched funding from 73 councils around the country there is now over £500m worth of public investment to build new homes for families and others who need them most, giving 8,000 people the chance to live in good homes.”

“Decent homes are an absolute necessity and the free market has not kept pace with the demand for housing. That’s when the public sector needs to step in and this initiative from the government is exactly what’s needed. Of course, there is still a housing shortage but Mr Healey has shown that the government is prepared to do something about it.”