Knowsley set for share of £8 billion

Knowsley is all set to gain a share of £8 billion of funding recently announced by the government for affordable and social housing.

The government's aim is to dramatically increase the supply of new homes, particularly those that are affordable and energy efficient.

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) and Knowsley Council have already been successful in passing the first hurdle required to access this money, to create new housing for rent in Knowsley. This is great news for the Borough, where good quality housing has become increasingly difficult to access, due to rising prices and growing waiting lists.

A partnership between Knowsley MBC and KHT has been selected as one of only two Local Authority Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) eligible for Housing Corporation grants, to build new affordable housing over the next four years. This is the first time in the Housing Corporation's history that organisations of this type will be considered for such funding.

Knowsley Housing Trust's Director of Regeneration, Steve Coffey said "This is a fantastic opportunity for both Knowsley Housing Trust and Knowsley Council to build on the good work we have already carried out in creating more prosperous, mixed communities in Knowsley. It will not only enable us to move on together towards the next phase of regenerating Knowsley but will also enable more people in Knowsley to access good quality, affordable housing."


Graham Morgan the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Neighbourhoods added “We are delighted that the Government has selected Knowsley as one of the first areas to introduce this new approach to delivering affordable housing. Many households are struggling to afford good quality housing, and we now have a great opportunity to give them more assistance."