Justin Tomlinson MP Welcomes New Local Infrastructure Development Funding Worth £11.5 Million

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed the announcement today of £11.5 million in infrastructure for two separate schemes in Swindon; the Kingsdown Bridge and the Rowborough Eastern Access for the Eastern Development Area.

The Government has announced £866 million investment in local housing projects to ensure that infrastructure is in place before major housing developments come through, making sure that the impact of new homes, which are much needed for the next generation, is lessened for local residents.

This funding will support local work that will make housing developments viable and get much-needed homes built more quickly. Without this financial support these projects would struggle to go ahead or take years for work to begin.

This government is committed to building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s so more people are able buy a home of their own. The funding announced today is the first wave of funding from the £5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund which is part of our comprehensive programme to fix the broken housing market that has left too many struggling to afford a place of their own.

This latest investment will fund key local infrastructure projects including new roads, cycle paths, flood defences and land remediation work, all essential ahead of building the homes.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “As a local resident, I have tirelessly campaigned for this funding as I know how important it is for residents to get the infrastructure in place. Unlike the last Labour Government, we are rightly investing in major infrastructure prior to additional housing development. This is in stark contrast to when Labour’s centrally imposed housing targets came with little or no infrastructure funding. It’s great news that we have been allocated £11.5 million in funding to support projects which will help ensure we build the homes people need more quickly. We are determined to build the right homes in the right places and help the next generation to get the keys to a home of their own.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said: "Today marks the first step of the multi-billion pound investment we announced at the Budget to help build the homes our country needs. This fund finances vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges, which will kick-start housing development in some of Britain’s highest-demand areas.

Housing Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: "Our priority is building the homes this country desperately needs. This first wave of investment totalling £866 million will help get up to 200,000 homes off the ground, making a huge difference to communities across the country. This is just one of the many ways this Government is taking action to get Britain building homes again."