Government awards councils new funding to transform local communities

90% of councils are now part of a programme creating new jobs and releasing land for new homes.

The government has announced on the 11th December 2017 that 90% of councils are now part of a programme that will create 44,000 new jobs and release land for 25,000 new homes.

As part of today’s funding announcement, 56 council-led partnerships will receive £8.7 million funding to improve public services, stimulate economic growth and free up land for thousands of new homes.

The new funding has been allocated from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme, a partnership between the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association.

This initiative gives partnerships the support and funding to help them to use publicly-owned land and buildings more efficiently, benefiting communities across the country.

One Public Estate is giving local authorities - and their public sector partners - access to £8.7 million of funding as well as practical support and expertise, to help them develop and deliver ambitious property programmes to benefit their communities. Launched in 2013, the programme has grown from 12 areas to support over 90% of councils with the new projects announced today.

By 2020, partnerships on the programme are expected to deliver £615 million in capital receipts, £158 million running costs savings, create 44,000 new jobs and release land for 25,000 new homes.

Published 11 December 2017

From:

Cabinet Office and Caroline Nokes MP