Birmingham City Council has defied the economic crisis by surpassing affordable homes targets, through the delivery of the National Affordable Housing Programme.

The Council's Local Area Agreement target for the delivery of affordable housing was set at 600 new homes in 2008/09. However, 772 new homes achieved start on sites in 2008/9 and 727 new homes reached practical completion, ready for occupation.

Excellent partnership working with registered social landlords and other affordable housing providers through the City Housing Partnership (CHP), the cross sector partnership which oversees affordable housing provision in Birmingham, led to this target being significantly exceeded.

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This includes new affordable housing schemes on former council owned land in locations such as Brandwood End, Nimmings Farm, Rea Valley and Bucklands End.

Cllr John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "These achievements prove our commitment and passion to deliver beyond expectations. Our citizens require affordable homes now more than ever before and I'm delighted that as a result of our excellent working relationships with partners we have been able to deliver. I am dedicated to ensuring our people have more choices for high quality, affordable homes within the city."

(CD/JM)