MORE than £10million is set to be invested into new affordable homes in Suffolk in the next three years, it has been announced. Suffolk will receive £13million as part of a housing programme announced yesterday by the Housing Corporation, a government homes agency.

MORE than £10million is set to be invested into new affordable homes in Suffolk in the next three years, it has been announced.

Suffolk will receive £13million as part of a housing programme announced yesterday by the Housing Corporation, a government homes agency.

This will see 503 new affordable homes built in the county between 2008 and 2011. More investment will follow over the coming months.

The agency has agreed deals to deliver greater numbers of greener and better designed homes, with larger properties for families and homes suitable for older and vulnerable people.

The properties will also be built in rural areas as well as urban centres.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said: “We need more homes in every region - to ensure first-time buyers and families have decent affordable housing to buy or to rent.

“This money will go towards doubling the amount of affordable, sustainable homes being built over the next three years, and will increase the number of family-size and rural homes.”

Kate Barker, Housing Corporation board member, with special responsibility for the East of England, added: “Today we have reconfirmed our commitment to meeting the challenging housing needs in the East of England.

“The provision of new affordable housing is critical to continued success in creating sustainable communities right across the region. These homes are much needed for people who cannot afford market housing and in order to create good places to stay and live.”