The East Midlands has exceeded its 2008/9 target for the delivery of 2,345 new affordable homes by 46 per cent, providing 1,092 over above the original forecast.

East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA’s) Regional Housing Group received a report from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) setting out their achievements for the year at its June meeting.

Bob Walder, chair of the Regional Housing Group said: "This is an outstanding achievement during what has been a very difficult year. It is testimony to the hard work of both the HCA and delivery partners across the region. It represents a significant contribution to local employment in the housing industry at a crucial time for jobs, creating much needed homes when the rest of the industry is putting developments on hold."

Of the 3,437 homes completed, 2,164 are rented properties and 1,291 are for Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO). The properties are spread across the region and include 298 homes in rural areas, and 644 larger family homes. A further 2,231 rental and 726 LCHO homes were started on site during the year.

Margaret Allen, HCA regional director said “This is a tremendous result in terms of delivery. We are very grateful to all our partners, RSLs, local authorities and house builders, in particular, for the part they have played in achieving this. Our ability to act flexibly and tailor make solutions to particular needs has allowed us to unlock the full potential of our budget, benefiting both the industry and communities.

"There is more work to kick start housing developments generally and this will be a key focus in the year ahead, but these results give us confidence in the region’s ability to deliver and its appetite to do even more.”