Hundreds of millions of pounds are "up for grabs" for councils to build more affordable homes in their area, according to the government.

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has announced that 15 councils will be able to borrow £60m additional funds over the next two years to build over 1,000 homes in their area.

Minister Hopkins said: "Councils asked for extra borrowing powers - and we have delivered. Today, 15 authorities from across the country will get a share of £60m of borrowing to deliver over 1,000 affordable homes. There’s £300 million extra borrowing up for grabs for the next two years. So today, I’m launching a second round of bidding so more councils can make the most of this opportunity.

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"Council housebuilding starts are now at a 23-year high - and more council housing has been built since 2010 than in the previous 13 years. But we can go further and with these new borrowing powers available I want authorities to act, and build the affordable homes their communities want."

The 15 councils that have successfully applied for borrowing include:

• Birmingham Council - £10.6 million to build 186 new affordable homes

• Wiltshire Council - £2.7 million to build 90 affordable homes

• Cheshire West and Chester Council - £7.5 million to build 23 affordable homes

• Hackney Council - £2.7 million to build 74 affordable homes

• Dudley Council - £6.2 million to build 123 affordable homes

(IT/MH)