Bjorn Howard, Chief Exec, responds to Government announcement of extra funding for CLTs

Housing Minister Kit Malthouse MP announced today that the Government has pledged an extra £6 million for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to help give local people the funds needed to start community led housing developments.

It's hoped that this additional funding will help to strengthen the role that CLTs can play in delivering much-needed affordable housing.

Bjorn Howard, Group CEO said: 

“This pledge of extra funding for Community Land Trusts is a welcome move from the Government.

“CLTs are a core element of our development strategy and we’ve seen first-hand the vital difference they can make. They are extremely effective at unlocking smaller parcels of land for development – land that is essential to meeting local housing need but doesn’t always stack up economically as a prospect for traditional development.

“Involving the community in a project also ensures they are at the heart of the development. A scheme we delivered in Gloucestershire, for example, secured planning permission through a community referendum.

“Increasingly, housing associations are recognising the importance of working closely with communities so that homes and neighbourhoods meet  the needs of those who live there. This is all about empowering people and thinking in terms of communities, not simply homes and infrastructure.”