PLANS to deliver sustainable new communities across Cambridgeshire have suffered a massive blow after a major funding stream was cut by 43 per cent. In July, Communities and Local Government (CLG) ministers sent a letter to Councillor Jill Tuck, Leader of

PLANS to deliver sustainable new communities across Cambridgeshire have suffered a massive blow after a major funding stream was cut by 43 per cent.

In July, Communities and Local Government (CLG) ministers sent a letter to Councillor Jill Tuck, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, outlining its intentions to reduce the County's Housing Growth Fund (HGF) capital allocation for 2010-11 by almost �6 million.

On Tuesday, following on from a short consultation period, the county council received confirmation that the full �6 million cut will be made.

Across the country, all Housing Growth Fund allocations have received the same level of funding cuts.

The fund, administered by Cambridgeshire Horizons, is used to support the delivery of new homes and infrastructure across the county. The reduction of 43 per cent will delay a number of important projects.

Cllr Tuck said: "I am furious at the Government's attitude to funding Cambridgeshire as once again we are the poor relation.

"Due to the economic power of Cambridgeshire it has been shown we can help drive the UK out of the recession and onto prosperity. But it seems the Government is more concerned with handing out money to Labour heartlands and trying to win an election.

"In a time when fat cat bankers are benefitting from bonuses paid for by tax payers and public services Government should be looking at ways to re-address the balance, not rob us of more money.

"Cambridgeshire is the fastest growing County in the country and it is vital that Government invests in us so we can properly manage this growth."

Sir David Trippier, chairman of Cambridgeshire Horizons, said: "We are very annoyed that the Government has confirmed its proposals. The cut to our funding allocation for next year will have a significant impact on our ability to deliver sustainable new communities.

"Much of the money had already been earmarked for a range of vital schemes which are due to deliver significant numbers of new homes over the coming years, and we must continue to work hard with partners to re-evaluate these proposals."

Councillor Kit Owen, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing Strategy "This cut is absolutely disastrous for Cambridgeshire as a whole and for Fenland in particular at a time when we have an increasing population coming into the district for whom accommodation has to be found.