Construction union UCATT have welcomed the launch of the Government's Kickstart scheme to lend money to developers in order to restart mothballed housing projects. It is estimated that the scheme should generate 20,000 jobs.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: "This investment will help to restart some strategic housing developments and restore confidence to the industry. More importantly it will help to get skilled construction workers back to work and playing an active part in the economy."

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Over a third of the £925 million available will be spent on restarting stalled affordable housing projects. UCATT has campaigned and lobbied for the Government to focus investment on social housing, with local authorities taking the lead, in order to restart the housebuilding industry and provide accommodation for the million plus people in housing need.

Mr Ritchie, added: "The money being invested in social housing is particularly welcome. Successive Governments have failed to build sufficient homes to meet housing need. Inadequate housing blights the lives of thousands of families and is a key indicator of a person’s future career opportunities. I am pleased that the Government are finally grasping the importance of increasing the number of social and council houses being built."

For further information visit: Healey Kickstarts Work On 22,400 Homes

(CD/JM)