The Growth Fund operates as a project management tool. It guides the local delivery of additional housing supply; provides support to produce the evidence for the infrastructure required to support growth and as a foundation for bidding for housing growth funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to assist in program delivery.

Purpose

The Growth Fund supports delivery of infrastructure projects within the growth areas, growth points and eco-towns.  In the past growth funding has been used to fund:

• site infrastructure such as site access and remediation,
• wider community and public realm facilities including green infrastructure, public realm and town centre improvements.

The Growth Fund is providing £832m to support the delivery of infrastructure in the three newer growth areas and the growth points for 2008/09 - 2010/11, including eco-towns. You can access the full list of these locations on the DCLG website below.

Applications

Revenue funding is available for capital costs, particularly for large-scale and strategic developments located within designated growth areas, growth points and eco-towns. Infrastructure provision will be delivered over a phased period.

From 2008/09 onwards, subject to review, housing growth capital support to local authorities will be given by block funding on the basis of programmes of development.

Background research and further advice

DCLG information on Growth Areas, Growth Points and Eco-towns
DCLG, Growth Fund: Programme of Development Guidance 2008, 2008

Links to Case Studies

Case studies that have been funded through rounds 1 and 2 of the Growth Area Fund can be accessed on Department of Communities and Local Government Growth Areas by Locations.