Housing Secretary Confirms First Homes Scheme

Housing Secretary the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP has confirmed that the First Homes scheme will provide newly built homes at a 30% discount for local people, key workers and first-time buyers.

The discount will be locked into the home in perpetuity, ensuring future buyers can continue to benefit from it.

A new and simpler system of developer contributions will also ensure private firms play their part in funding the new infrastructure and affordable homes that should accompany new building.

Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy will be replaced with a new Infrastructure Levy that will be a fixed proportion of the value of the development, above a set threshold, helping to deliver more affordable housing.

Revenues would be spent locally on projects such as new roads, upgraded playgrounds and discounted homes for local first-time buyers.

Helen Evans, chief executive of Network Homes and chair of the G15 Group of London’s largest housing associations said: “The country needs many more affordable homes and the planning system makes an important contribution towards that. I strongly welcome the intention of government’s proposed reforms to increase transparency and certainty to help increase the delivery of affordable homes.”