Shapps Writes Off £42 Million Housing Debt in Name of 'Big Society'

Housing minister Grant Shapps has given the green light for the iconic Byker Estate in Newcastle to be put into community control. Visiting the Grade II listed estate, Mr Shapps applauded the efforts of tenants who "never took no for an answer" and campaigned for control of their neighbourhood, describing them as "the embodiment of the Big Society", paying tribute to Newcastle City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency who supported their efforts.
And he welcomed efforts to ensure that, as residents work to secure Byker's future for generations to come, they benefit from the Government's Green Deal to make their homes greener and cheaper to run. Under the plans, a Community Trust will be established to manage this investment, creating training and employment opportunities for local people. Residents would play a key role in the trust, and would work alongside Your Homes Newcastle, which would provide support and management services. The Government will support this by writing off a local housing debt associated with the estate of up to £42m. Read more on 24dash.