Insulation specialist Actis has welcomed the announcement this week of the first wave of funding from the government’s £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP).
The first £9.58 billion has been allocated to 39 housing associations, councils and regions in England, which “should help fund the construction of 73,600 homes, 60% of which will be for social rent.” Of these, six are in the established mayoral strategic authorities of Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, the North Esat, West Yorkshire, the Liverpool City Region and South Yorkshire.
Mark Cooper, Sales Director for Actis UK and Ireland, says the homes are desperately needed, and adds that the programme will help boost the economy by providing employment opportunities and training for young tradespeople coming into the industry.
He comments: “This will help thousands of people and families to establish a permanent home, which is not only essential for their own wellbeing, but for the benefit of society as whole.”
Furthermore, Mark stresses that it’s vital that the homes are built to cope with extremes in temperature: “This summer’s heatwaves highlight the importance of building homes which are thermally efficient – keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer – to ensure the occupants are comfortable all year round.”
