Thousands of new homes and jobs could be unlocked across England following the launch of a £165 million infrastructure fund aimed at removing barriers to stalled development sites. The UK Government’s new Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund will focus on delivering critical transport improvements needed to bring forward housing and employment projects that have struggled to progress due to funding constraints.
Set to launch in the coming weeks, the fund forms part of the wider Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), a £27 billion plan to upgrade and maintain England’s motorways and major A-roads between 2026 and 2031. The initiative supports the Government’s broader ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament while boosting economic growth and raising living standards.
The Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund is designed to bridge funding gaps for essential transport infrastructure, particularly at sites located on or near key strategic roads. By improving connectivity, the programme aims to unlock developments that have been delayed due to insufficient road access or capacity, enabling construction to begin and communities to benefit from new homes, jobs and local investment.
Secretary of State Heidi Alexander, said: “Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn’t there to support them. This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them. It is a deliberate choice – and a signal that this Government is serious about removing the barriers to growth.”
Housing Secretary Steve Reed, added: “For many people, the dream of a decent home, close to work, and with good connections to their community, has been out of reach. This government is firing on all cylinders to get spades in the ground faster so we can build new homes, bolster our transport links and create jobs in the places most in need. This is exactly the kind of targeted, practical action that will help us reach 1.5 million new homes and create thriving communities where people can put down roots.”
Delivery of the programme will be led by National Highways, which will invite local authorities to submit development sites for consideration. A rolling programme of funded schemes is expected to be published from the end of the 2026/27 financial year, providing long-term visibility for infrastructure investment and development planning.
National Highways Executive Director Elliot Shaw emphasised the importance of reliable road networks: “Reliable roads are crucial to housing developments. They shape where people want to live, where businesses want to invest, and where communities can thrive. This fund will help unlock the transport links needed for new homes and jobs and help the government achieve its ambitions on economic growth.”
At the core of RIS3 is a record £8.4 billion investment in renewing and resurfacing more than 9,000 kilometres of motorway and major A-road lanes. This will address a long-standing backlog of ageing infrastructure, including bridges, viaducts and concrete road surfaces. With around two-thirds of structures on the network now over 45 years old, the funding aims to extend asset life and improve safety and reliability.
The overall RIS3 programme is expected to support around 50,000 jobs across England over the five-year investment period, further reinforcing its role in driving economic activity alongside housing delivery.
By targeting infrastructure constraints that have historically delayed development, the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund represents a strategic effort to align transport investment with housing and economic priorities. If successful, it could accelerate the delivery of new homes, unlock employment opportunities and help create more connected, sustainable communities across the country.
