New homes should be zero carbon, Labour's shadow chancellor has said on a visit to Manchester to see the UK's 'first' new carbon neutral social housing. Rachel Reeves said Manchester's efforts to make its housing more environmentally-friendly and bring down energy bills is 'inspiring'.
The Leeds MP was taken on a tour of Ancoats where she was shown new developments which are believed to be the first of their kind in the country. Work has begun on 68 new affordable homes, of which 45 will be social housing, in a 'low carbon' development at Downley Drive in New Islington.
The Labour frontbencher also saw the former Ancoats Dispensary in Old Mill Street which will be home to 39 apartments available for 'affordable rent'. Housing association Great Places, which is behind the two schemes, say they will support the city's low carbon agenda with the new 'high-quality' homes.
