The new clearing service set up by Homes England aims to hook up developers with social housing landlords after developers complained they cannot find takers for affordable homes schemes as housing associations become stretched for cash.

Nearly 300 organisations from across England have signed up for the new Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service to help unlock delivery.

A further 70 house builders have already registered to provide details of affordable homes they have planning permission to build, alongside private homes, but have been unable to find a buyer for.

They join 140 registered providers of housing and more than 70 local authorities who have already registered for the service as potential buyers.

Homes England chief customer officer Ian Workman, said: “This is a relatively simple but potentially impactful service that means greater visibility of opportunities to get affordable homes sold and occupied. I would urge house builders in particular to register and add as much detail as they can.”

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: “We recognise the challenge posed by the reduced appetite of registered providers of social housing to buy affordable homes delivered under section 106 agreements.

“The new clearing service we have worked in partnership with Homes England to establish will help improve the functioning of the market and unblock the delivery of section 106 affordable housing.”

Hundreds of developers and providers have already come forward to engage with this new service and real progress is being made as a result.

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