Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing, has met some of the first people to move into new social housing bought with some of the £42 million funding, aimed at helping to boost the economy.

In December, Ms Davies announced that the Strategic Capital Investment Fund (SCIF) money would be available for Housing Associations to buy unsold homes and plots from private contractors.

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The money has been given to Housing Associations to create up to 500 new affordable homes. This will help the Assembly Government to reach its ambitious target of creating 6,500 more affordable homes.

Ms Davies explained: "One of our aims was to help the most vulnerable families in Wales to get good quality affordable housing. This action has also provided a cash flow to the construction industry, keeping people in work and supporting jobs."

The funding allows Housing Associations to increase the number of affordable homes and inject liquidity into the construction industry.

United Welsh Housing Association used some of its money to help purchase seven 3 bedroom properties at Trem Clychau'r Gog in Llanbradach, a new Taylor Wimpey development near Caerphilly.

(CD/JM)