Council Continues to Over Deliver Affordable Housing in the Borough- Cllr Holland

More than 300 affordable homes were delivered in Bedford Borough during 2010/11, more than 50% above the Council target according to new figures.

The figures show 311 affordable homes were provided in 2010/11, of which 274 were new homes and 37 were purchases for shared ownership, comfortably ahead of the 200 target.

This is the fourth year in a row Bedford Borough Council has exceeded its targets for delivering new affordable housing, despite the incredibly difficult economic conditions.

Councillor Sarah Jayne Holland, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said: "We understand how important it is for local residents to have access to affordable housing. We also understand that it is difficult for developers to deliver new housing during these exceptionally challenging economic times. That is why we are working proactively to find ways of delivering this vital affordable housing for local residents.

"The Council plays an important role by working with developers and Registered Provider partners to bring forward affordable housing schemes. This approach has been used to kick-start new developments which will also in turn speed up the delivery of other homes being developed.

"We will continue to push developers and providers to build affordable homes to ensure local residents can access quality housing, regardless of their economic situation."