DUDLEY South MP Chris Kelly has welcomed news the borough is to receive £3.42million in funding for 2014/15 from the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme.

Introduced to ensure councils which promote and welcome local growth can share in its economic benefits – the bonus is based on the council tax of additional homes and long-term empty homes brought back into use in the 12-month qualifying period, with an additional premium for affordable homes.

It is not ring-fenced so councils can spend the extra cash as they choose, including on providing new facilities, protecting frontline services and freezing council tax.

Dudley Council has seen over £8.13million in extra funding through the scheme, including £3.42million for the upcoming year.

Conservative MP Mr Kelly said: "I am pleased to see the Government supporting home building in the Dudley through the New Homes Bonus. This extra funding is great news for local people in Dudley, as well as the additional housing for those hard-working people wanting to get on the housing ladder."