SEDGEMOOR has received an early Christmas present from the Government after the district council was awarded a £900,000 housing bonus.

The council secured the cash as part of a New Homes Bonus scheme which provides funding based on the number of new homes built each year, with an extra reward for providing affordable homes.

SDC planning policy manager Nick Tait said: “The award’s the highest in Somerset.

“The council has been able to support the delivery of record numbers of new homes, almost half of which are affordable to local families and people.”

The funds will help the council maintain existing services and invest in initiatives such as bringing empty homes back into use.