Press Releases
More housing help for key workers - 23/03/04
Teachers, nurses and other front-line public sector staff in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire are set to benefit from the new Key Worker Living Scheme. The ODPM announced details of the scheme today, naming Thames Valley Housing (TVH) a Zone Agent the South East. TVH is delivering the scheme in Surrey, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Wokingham, Rushmoor and Hart as part of the “South East Partnership” with Moat Housing Group, Swaythling Housing Society and Catalyst Housing Group. TVH has already helped around 800 key workers buy their first home through the previous Starter Home Initiative programme.
The scheme is aimed at addressing public sector recruitment and retention problems in the south east, and is mainly focussed on teachers and NHS staff in line with the government priority of making a real difference in schools and hospitals. Key Worker Zone agents will act as a one-stop-shop through one of four simple options, including home ownership packages and intermediate rental solutions. Also assistance is offered to those wishing to trade-up to a property to meet their housing needs, such as a family home, as well as helping first-time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder.
Housing Minister Keith Hill confirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister has announced details of the £690 million Key Worker programme today. Keith Hill said,
"Our new 'Key Worker Living' programme will provide housing solutions to help keep the skills needed in key front line public services, such as people working in education, health and community safety.
"The new programme builds on the success of the Starter Home Initiative, which is on track to place over 9,000 key workers into home ownership by 31 March 2004, with a further 1200 expected to complete purchases in the first few weeks of the new financial year."
Zahid Hanif, Home Ownership and New Business Director at Thames Valley Housing, said,
"Thames Valley Housing is delighted to be named as a Zone Agent for the key worker scheme, Over the last three years we have delivered an exceptionally successful Starter Home Initiative scheme, and we are looking forward to continuing to help the Government to deliver more."
If you are interested in the scheme you should visit www.keyworkerliving-sep.co.uk, where you can find out more and apply online. You can also call 0845 600 6699 to request information.
Further Information
Miranda Oakley
Marketing & PR Manager
Tel: 020 8607 0622
Email: miranda_oakley@tvha.co.uk
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