Following on from the launch of the Haven Gateway Integrated Development Programme (IDP) last week, the Housing Minister Margaret Beckett  today, 10 December 2008, confirmed an additional £12 million growth point funding for the Haven Gateway.

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:

"In these difficult economic times we must not lose sight of the long-term need to build more homes. Yet if the support for these new homes is not in place, their construction will be delayed when we need them most, hampering the economy's recovery. This means we need to be investing today in tomorrow's infrastructure, while allowing local authorities to decide their own local priorities for spending this money. Today's announcement delivers on both fronts.

"This money is targeted at those local authorities with the most ambitious growth plans. As well as helping to build the new homes we need, it will ensure we have the support and infrastructure in place so that these homes become part of the existing community, not a burden on their resources."

George Kieffer, Chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership said:

"Today's confirmation of funding is welcome and will play a significant part in delivering the vital infrastructure that is needed to underpin the growth and development of our communities. Today's announcement is some £¾ million more than the government indicated some 12 months ago which suggests, even in these challenging times, the Partnership's case for infrastructure funding to support our ambitious growth ambitions is becoming stronger".

"Over the next few months, the Partnership will be allocating this funding in accordance with the priorities identified in our Integrated Development Programme published last week. This programme is a co-ordinated and coherent approach to population growth and the economic drivers by the Partnership and regional bodies, such as the East of England Development Agency, the Environment Agency, Learning & Skills Council and others to enhance the prosperity and well-being of our communities."

In addition to the investment announced today, the Partnership is waiting on the announcement of two transport bids - for the A12 Cuckoo Farm junction outside Colchester and congestion improvements for Ipswich town centre - from the Community Infrastructure Fund. Together, these amount to nearly £20millon which we hope will soon be announced by the Homes and Communities Agency.