“We’re delighted that the Government has made this commitment to community-led housing. This will be seen as a breakthrough by the sector – since the end of the stop-start Community Housing Fund in 2021, the lack of funding for the sector has been a major barrier to growth.
“Diversifying the housebuilding industry is critical if the country is to achieve the bold 1.5 million housebuilding target that has been set. With the government’s Long-term Housing Strategy in the works, we hope there is an opportunity to build on this momentum and secure further backing to unleash the potential in communities.”
Feature image: Westbourne CLT. Image credit: Chichester Council
The Community Land Trust Network welcomes the recent announcement that the government will invest £20 million in community-led housing, a move we have campaigned for.
The funding, which is expected to unlock 2,500 new homes over the next decade and a further £30 million in match-funding from the private sector, local authorities, and combined mayoral authorities, will be a boost for communities up and down the country that are seeking to build and renovate much-needed affordable housing.
The £20m was first announced – following Resonance’s work and our lobbying – in the 2024 Spring Budget. But with the election, it was paused. Our network of CLTs has been lobbying MPs and ministers, joined by voices such as the UK Cohousing Network, to get this money out the door. We’re delighted to have succeeded.
A breakthrough for community-led housing
This new funding represents a major step forward, giving more community land trusts (CLTs) and other community-led housing groups access to the financial support they need.
The investment, announced by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, will be directed into the Resonance Community Developers Fund. We’d like to congratulate Resonance on all their hard work to get this over the line.
More information on the Fund can be found on gov.uk
The Community Land Trust Network will keep members updated as more information is released.
“Community-led housing not only delivers social and affordable homes for local people, it also gives local communities a greater say on where new homes are built and how they are designed.
“This investment will help community-based organisations overcome barriers to housing delivery and will support the growth of the community-led housing sector.
“Through our Plan for Change we are boosting housing supply and reforming the housing system, delivering on our commitment to the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”.