Grant News
Homes England has launched a new £5.5 million Council Housebuilding Support Fund to help councils in England (excluding London) prepare to deliver more affordable homes under the next Affordable Homes Programme (AHP), starting in April 2026.
The funding is available to local authorities seeking to re-enter or scale up housebuilding.
Revenue grants of up to £300,000 are available per council to enhance local capacity to plan and deliver new housing. Eligible activities include upskilling staff, hiring interim project teams, commissioning feasibility studies, developing delivery strategies, and undertaking pre-development technical work such as site appraisals and planning applications.
The fund also supports activities that strengthen collaboration with housing associations and private developers, with the aim of boosting the pipeline of deliverable, good-quality council-led housing projects.
To qualify, councils must demonstrate how the funding will accelerate future AHP bids, particularly those targeting social rent homes. All funded work must be completed by 31 March 2026.
Applications will close on 22 August 2025, or sooner if the fund is fully allocated. Councils are encouraged to apply early.
The fund is revenue-only and cannot be used for direct construction or ongoing operational costs. Projects must provide measurable outcomes and value for money.
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