THE possibility has emerged of £60m of additional finance pouring into Cheshire West and Chester Council’s coffers.

The Government funding is dependent on the council securing 10,000 new homes across the borough during the next 10 years.

It follows the announcement of proposals from Westminster to devolve greater powers to local authorities to meet the actual housing needs of their communities.

The prospect was revealed by the borough's prosperity chief, Cllr Herbert Manley (Con, Abbey) in answer to a question from Cllr Jill Houlbrook (Con, Upton).

Cllr Houlbrook asked Cllr Manley if he would join her in welcoming the plans outlined by the housing minister and how changes to funding arrangements “will benefit our communities and help those in housing need in our authority”.

In a written reply Cllr Manley said the “New Homes Bonus" was expected to help Cheshire West and Chester and the sub region to achieve its growth ambitions.

“The full benefits of economic growth will not be realised without the associated housing growth," Cllr Manley explained.

Under the scheme, councils would be provided with six years’ council tax payments for every new home completed with an additional bonus for affordable homes.

Cllr Manley revealed that an initial assessment had suggested the initiative could see more than £60m of additional resources pour into the borough over a 10 year period if the council could deliver 10,000 new homes.

"This creates an opportunity to pump prime sites and stimulate developers and registered social landlords to deliver new homes," suggested Cllr Manley.

"We welcome this initiative and believe it can help achieve real improvements in housing choice, supply and quality for local residents."