MEMBERS of Test Valley Borough Council's executive committee have been told of the council's success in exceeding affordable housing targets.

A total of 198 homes have been completed - almost twice the target number of 100 in the last year.

A development programme for this year has now started with the aim of making more new properties available in Test Valley by next March.

Housing Corporation investment of £3.6m has been allocated to Test Valley, which will provide 108 new affordable homes this year. But, following the abolition of the Local Authority Social Housing Grant, the availability of further funding is not yet certain. The council had previously been able to spend capital on social housing and receive reimbursement from the Government, but it must now consider future funding of housing projects.

Transitional arrangements up to April 2004 have been put in place following lobbying by a number of local authorities including Test Valley.

Bids for new schemes under these transitional arrangements could result in up to another 151 affordable homes for Test Valley, if the schemes reach the required stage by 30 June. After April 2004, affordable housing will be funded by the newly-formed Regional Housing Board.

Councils will have some influence in the development of a Regional Housing Strategy, which is to be produced this summer.

The borough council is also aiming to include provision for affordable housing in the local plan, with policies that would see some affordable housing on most development sites or developer contributions for affordable housing where this is more appropriate.

Other possible funding opportunities will also need to be investigated.