FIRST time buyers in Barnsley received a boost today after a successful bid to build more affordable homes in the town.
Berneslai Homes has won the right to apply for grants for affordable homes.
The organisation, which looks after 20,000 council houses, has successfully registered with the National Affordable Housing Programme - one of only 16 Arms Length Manageme
nt Organisations in the UK to be successful.
It means Berneslai can apply for money to build new social housing and low cost homes on its own, or in partnership with housing associations or private developers.
The scheme is being hailed as a significant move for Barnsley residents in today's difficult housing market.
Berneslai Homes chief executive Helen Correy said: "We are pleased to be recognised by the Housing Corporation as an organisation with appropriate skills and capable of delivering new social housing.
"Our Board and staff are looking forward to engaging in the market and meeting the challenges of delivering new projects for the benefit of our customers, to address their needs and offer greater choice.
"We believe registration opens up new doors for the organisation and strengthens our position as the primary provider of social housing services in Barnsley.
"The real work begins now in the packaging of individual projects in line with Barnsley MBC Strategic Housing Policy and with existing and new partners to form the basis of funding bids for future years".
What do you think? Add your comment below.Berneslai Homes submitted the application to the Housing Corporation in April and worked closely with Barnsley Council to secure registration. The council has agreed in principle to act as guarantor to meet the financial requirements of registration.
Barnsley Council assistant director Steve Jagger said: "We welcome this news as it provides further opportunities to build on the successful partnership working with Berneslai Homes and Housing Associations to play a significant role in the direct delivery of more affordable homes in Barnsley."
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