Grant funding is available to support new affordable housing developments. To apply, you’ll need to submit detailed information about your project.
To help with this, we have an Affordable Grants Policy.
Affordable Housing Grant Policy (PDF , 1.2MB)
Eligibility
You may be eligible for a grant if you are:
- a registered provider of social housing
- a community organisation
We will look at the project to see if it meets community needs. This will depend on:
- local housing needs
- our corporate priority of providing homes which meet need
- other corporate priorities
The project needs to provide good value for money and deliverability. It needs to prove that:
- costs and time scales are realistic
- funding is available to meet the total costs of the project (aside from the council funding)
- no other sources of funding are available
- there are enough resources for the project's future maintenance
- the level of funding is justified
- the grant per affordable home is good value for money
- the project or scheme has or is likely to get planning permission (if required)
Read the full funding criteria in our Affordable Housing Grant Policy (PDF , 1.2MB)
Current grants
Affordable Housing Grants
This grant is available across all areas of Westmorland and Furness.
Our Affordable Housing Grants can go towards:
- site assembly costs, including buying sites for affordable housing
- site development costs, to ensure financial viability
- providing extra affordable housing in developments – to suit planning requirements
- to meet the funding gap where a housing scheme is not financially viable
- providing energy efficiency upgrades to new affordable housing
- set-up costs for new community-led housing groups
Community Housing Fund (South Lakeland and Eden areas)
The Community Housing Fund can go towards projects that are community-led.
Community-led projects mean the community has a powerful say throughout the project.
The community can help make key decisions like:
• the type of homes
• the location
• who they are for
Communities don’t have to start the project, or build homes themselves. They do need to plan on taking a long-term formal role. This can be ownership, stewardship, or management of the homes.
As part of the project, the benefits of the scheme are clearly set out. They are legally protected on a permanent basis.
Contact us if you’re not sure which grant to apply for on behalf of a community organisation. We’ll advise which grant is best suited to your project.
How to apply
Download and complete the Affordable Housing Grant application form (PDF , 265MB)
Return the form to us using the details below.
Contact us
Email: affordable.housing@westmorlandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Address:
Affordable Housing Team
Voreda House
Portland Place
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7BF