Chancellor urged to build 100,000 new homes

Apr 10 2009 Birmingham Mail

CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling has been urged to invest in a national housebuilding programme to give “immediate social and financial return” to the ailing economy.

The Local Government Association, the National Housing Federation, the TUC and housing charity Shelter called on the Government to spend £6.35 billion over the next two years on 100,000 new social rented homes. In a letter to Mr Darling, the group said: “Investment in housing in the coming budget would save and create thousands of jobs and apprenticeships, maintain skills in the construction industry.

“It would also safeguard our ability to build the homes Britain needs over the long term.”