£10m windfall to pay for new council homes

He announced £6 million for 200 new homes and a further £4.4 million to “kick-start” stalled developments and get them back on track.

The latter includes £1.5 million for 53 properties in Mexborough.

Wentworth MP Mr Healey said: “In the teeth of recession, we have kept Britain building.

“This extra funding takes the total Government housing cash to over £4.2 billion billion since last June. This investment will now help economic recovery in every region of the country.

“This public investment has been a vital boost to jobs and housebuilding during the recession, and it's equally important to economic growth in the future.”

Regional minister Rosie Winterton MP added: “I’m delighted to see a further investment of over £10 million in much-needed new and affordable homes in the region.

This investment will also help the region's construction industry, and is helping to support nearly 6,000 jobs, including creating local apprenticeships.

“We are determined to do all it can to support the region's businesses and people through these challenging economic times.”

 Rotherham Borough Council has submitted plans for a dozen new council homes in Maltby.

Eight houses, including two semi-detached bungalows, are proposed for Newland Avenue.

They will become the first to be constructed on the Tarran estate, demolished after asbestos and safety fears.

Four flats are planned Stone Park Close. Consultation on both plans ends next week, and a decision is expected to be made in early May.

More than £4.5 million Government cash is funding a total of 77 new council homes across four sites in the borough.