A change in the way the Council finances its housing service has enabled it to purchase homes directly from a developer for the first time in over a decade, the Council said in a statement. The new homes will help meet the Council's target of delivering 100 new affordable homes this year.
The Council said that in the year to 31 March 2012 it was able to provide 148 new affordable homes, the highest number it had delivered in "decades", by working together with other housing providers, developers and land owners. The 100-home target for this year can "only be met by working with other housing providers in the district", the Council said.
"The purchase of these 11 new homes is a significant achievement, and reflects the hard work and commitment of all involved," said East Devon Council cabinet member for Sustainable Homes and Communities Jill Elson. "We wish to provide more affordable homes, both for rent and shared ownership, for those in need."
"We are aware of the problems around high property prices, lenders asking for substantial monies for a deposit and living in a low wage economy. It is making it very difficult for people to buy a home. We will continue to work hard to achieve our target of 100 new affordable homes a year. Providing more affordable housing remains a priority for the Council,’ Elson said.
