Telford councillors vote to increase home discount plan

The move is an extension of the government's First Homes scheme

Some first-time buyers in Telford are to see a 40% discount on the purchase price of their new homes.

The First Homes scheme was launched by the government in June to help first-time buyers by offering homes at a discount of at least 30% compared with the market value.

At Thursday's cabinet meeting, members of Telford and Wrekin Council voted to increase that to 40%.

The difference is expected to be met by developers.

However, it will only apply to about a quarter of affordable homes built as part of wider developments.

The authority said the scheme starts on 28 December it expected about 30 homes a year to be identified as First Homes.

The council voted to increase the discount on Thursday

The Labour-run council is also looking to make sure the homes go to local residents, by setting local connection criteria.

"By increasing the First Homes scheme discount to 40% here in the borough we are making our housing as affordable as possible for residents most in need," councillor Richard Overton said.