Community led housing

In 2016 East Suffolk Council (formerly Waveney and Suffolk Coastal District Council’s) received £2,209,958. A total of £1,175,689.50 has been spent, supporting the delivery of additional affordable housing in East Suffolk, leaving a balance of £1,034,268.50.

Community Led Housing (CLH) puts local people at the heart of creating homes that meet their needs. Whether through a Community Land Trust, housing co-operative, or other community-based models, these projects empower residents to design, plan, and deliver affordable, sustainable homes.

The funding is designed to:

• Support community groups with planning, land acquisition, and construction costs
• Support a housing need survey
• Provide technical and enabling support
• Provide revenue funding
• Provide capital funding

A community can apply for a grant of up to £5000 to support the CLH groups development. For groups that are not yet constituted, East Suffolk Council can hold the funding and pay fees for start-up and legal costs. Groups that are legally constituted will receive the funding direct.

Other funding

Loans

Loans can be taken against existing assets which will act as collateral. Long term loans from private or charitable sources could be repaid via the rental income from housing

Grants

Community Led Housing groups can access grant funding streams not available to local authorities or registered housing providers.