Almost 100,000 affordable homes built since 2011

The government is on target to deliver 170,000 new affordable properties by the year 2015, as government figures reveal almost 100,000 affordable homes have been constructed in the UK since 2011.
According to propertywire.com, 122,590 homes were delivered last year year alone, meaning homebuilding rose by 23 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012. In fact, last year was the best year for homebuilding seen since 2007 - just before the recession hit the UK.
Help to Buy has partly been responsible for boosting building work, as 38,000 new-build properties have been constructed over the last three years as a result of the scheme.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles says there are still some improvements to be made.
"Last year we built the most homes since 2007 and even the appalling weather conditions this winter have not stopped our hardy builders from getting the job done," he states. "That means an increase in small firms benefiting from the surge in construction orders and more business confidence in the economy."
He adds that keeping interest rates low has helped provide a much needed boost to the housing market, as it has allowed more Brits to purchase their very first home.
However, Campbell Robb, chief executive of housing and homelessness charity Shelter, comments that the number of new homes being constructed needs to double in order to keep up with the rising demand, reports thecourier.co.uk.