Success for your Lib Dem Councillors in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Council is to receive millions of pounds over the next few years from a New Homes Bonus grant. This grant is paid by government for new homes built. The idea is to encourage local communities to support new developments to help tackle the housing shortage.

Over £1.3 million has been given to the Council, for the new homes built between 2009 and 2012. The Liberal Democrats believe local communities should have a say about how the money should be spent, especially in areas where new building has taken place.

However Labour councillors voted against spending on community chosen schemes. They didn't want to give communities a choice, including those like Brighton Hill.

John Barnes and Nicola Bensilum report, "Thanks to Lib Dem pressure, the Tories have been forced to agree that this money can only be spent in communities affected by new homes developments. And that includes these new homes at Beechdown Place (near ASDA). And the Tories have conceded and agreed to Lib Dems proposals that local groups can bid for funding forcapital projects in their area."