Council Delivers New Affordable Homes for Disabled People in Reading

More positive housing news today when it was confirmed that the Homes and Communities Agency would contribute £120,000 towards the construction of new affordable homes for disabled people in Reading.
Reading Borough Council will be putting in £150,000 towards the development of three new purpose built bungalows on a disused former mobile home site in Hastings Close, Southcote by Ability Housing.
Labour comprehensively failed o deliver the affordable housing that is needed in Reading and locally I have led the campaign to increase the supply of housing. Bungalows suitable for people with physical disabilities are in short supply in our area so this news is really welcome. These new homes will give more people with physical disabilities the opportunity to live independently in a home of their own choosing. The bungalows, designed in accordance with the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide, will feature adjustable height kitchens and fully wheelchair accessible wet rooms with a bath or shower option. They will also include future provision for ceiling track hoists, covered wheelchair car parking spaces with transfer areas and assistive technologies to meet the individual needs of the tenants. With a one, two and three bed option, all available for affordable rent, these bungalows will be suitable for a range of tenants with physical disabilities.The homes will be available to applicants on the Council’s waiting list and will be allocated through the bidding system.
As I have said before, competition for funding for affordable housing is fierce with the squeeze on public finances so it is fantastic that the Government via the Homes and Communities Agency has once again decided to invest in Reading.
The Lib Dem - Conservative Coalition running the Council has an excellent record on delivering new affordable housing including the first ever new Council houses for twenty years on the former Avenue Site, and more recently securing funding for 76 new affordable homes in Dee Park.
As Lead Member for Housing I will continue to campaign to get more affordable homes built for the thousands of local people of all backgrounds and ages who so desperately need them.