MORE THAN £2million is being given to Braintree Council to put towards its New Homes Bonus scheme.

This year and in 2017, the council will receive £2,782,134 in Government funds to increase the number of homes in the district.

Braintree built 575 homes in the last year - 174 of these were affordable homes.

Central Government pays the New Homes Bonus to district councils, matching each home’s council tax band, plus an extra £350 for each affordable home.

It is paid every year for six years, with 80 per cent going to Braintree Council and 20 per cent going to Essex County Council.

A total of more than £9m has been accumulated over the six years.

The £2million is a sum of the New Homes Bonus payments from 2011 to 2017, including £680,527 being given this year.

It can be used however the council decides, including for development of community assets and leisure facilities.

Lady Newton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, said: “The Council agreed, in 2014, to spend funds which would deliver improvements for the whole district and, where possible, provide a return for further investment to support economic growth.

“It is supporting existing businesses and attracting investment to provide a sustainable future for our residents.”

The projects include:

• Witham Enterprise Centre - £500,000

• A120 access improvement - £2.5million

• Business broadband - £250,000

• Purchase of land at Chapel Hill- £1.25 million

• Affordable housing- £750,000

• Feasibility/project development- £500,000