£2m boost for multi-million-pound city housing scheme

bosses in Sunderland have been awarded more than £2m to press on with the next phase of its £59m housing plan.

The cash comes from Homes England and follows a successful bid that will allow the council to start the next phase of its empty homes programme, two new-build developments and the revamp of the former Biddick School, in Albert Place, Washington, to provide homes for disabled and vulnerable residents.

The grant will cover a proportion of the costs of creating 15 supported apartments that will be offered to vulnerable

residents including people living with disabilities.

The new facility will be opposite five new bungalows that have recently been completed – each providing accessible one-storey homes for people living with disabilities.

The grant - coupled with council capital – will allow the local authority to push ahead with the purchase of another 15 empty homes, part of a planned 362 that will be bought, revamped and returned to use across the city.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, dynamic city portfolio holder at Sunderland City Council, said: “Our £59m Housing DeCouncil livery and Investment Plan will deliver so much for our vulnerable residents, as well as those who are looking for the security and assurance of renting their home from an organisation that puts the city and its people first.”

The funding is the latest in support from Homes England,

which has backed the council’s housing plan to the tune of £4,251,000 to date.

The plan aims to provide homes people need as they grow old; vulnerable residents live in properties that support their independence and that empty homes are returned to use.