The Co-operative Bank has agreed a £50m long-term funding partnership with Fairhive to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes across Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties.
The investment is aimed at addressing housing shortages in the region, where demand for homes outstrips supply. Some families in Buckinghamshire have waited up to three years for a three-bed home, and more than 400 families, including over 500 children, are currently living in temporary accommodation.
Fairhive provides homes and support services to more than 25,000 residents across Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties, including Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. The funding is intended to support the delivery of sustainable, energy-efficient homes for residents in the region.
Irfan Javeed, commercial banking manager at The Co-operative Bank, said: “Housing is just one aspect of the cost of living crisis and many low-income families are being forced into dire situations, waiting over a year for adequate housing.
“This £50m partnership reflects our commitment to financing projects that deliver meaningful social value. By combining financial strength with a shared ethical vision, The Co-operative Bank and Fairhive are demonstrating how responsible finance can catalyse meaningful change, improving lives and strengthening local communities.”
Izabela Falinska, executive director of finance and resources at Fairhive, said: “At Fairhive, we are committed to putting residents at the heart of everything we do. By supporting the delivery of new affordable homes, this partnership with The Co-operative Bank will help more people access safe, secure and energy-efficient housing, while enabling us to build sustainable communities where residents can thrive now and in the future.
“This is an important step in delivering our ambition to provide more affordable, high-quality homes for current and future residents. Demand for affordable housing across our region continues to grow, and this investment will help us accelerate the delivery of much-needed, energy-efficient homes for local people.”
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