1136 new affordable homes are to be delivered in Kent under a four year investment agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and The Town and Country Housing Group (TCHG).

These homes are part of a wider consortium which bid for government cash to deliver 1280 new affordable homes in parts of East Sussex and London as well, supported by an overall investment of approximately £22m from the HCA. The Group consists of Town and Country Housing Group, West Kent Housing Association and Gravesend Churches Housing Association.

The agreement is as part of the HCA's national Affordable Homes Programme, which is set to deliver 80,000 new affordable homes across England by 2015. It will significantly improve affordable housing provision in Kent, where average house prices have been recorded as being up to 14 times the average local salary.


HCA Executive Director for the East and South East, Terry Fuller said: "The HCA is delighted that the Town and Country Housing Group has agreed a contract to deliver a large number of new affordable homes in the area. We will be working closely with them and our local authority partners to ensure these much needed homes meet the needs of local people."

The HCA's local teams have worked closely with Town and Country Housing Group over recent months to ensure that its programme brings the maximum benefit for local people. While some of the investment will directly support existing or known developments, such as 42 extra care homes in the Sherwood area of Tunbridge Wells, a large part is indicative. The focus will now be on ensuring that people in Kent see the benefits of government investment over the next four years.

(CD/GK)