Thousands of new homes and jobs will be created in beautiful, green neighbourhoods across England, supported by £15 million government funding for garden communities, Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP announced today (Saturday 21 May 2022).

From Cornwall to Carlisle, the Garden Communities programme will deliver up to 16,000 homes per year from 2025, driving growth across England, breathing life into 43 towns and villages and putting green, wildlife friendly spaces at the heart of new development.

New funding will regenerate:

• Long Marston in Warwickshire, formerly a disused airfield that is now a vibrant, green neighbourhood will see 3,500 new homes being built, with a requirement for 35% affordable housing.

• Halsnead Garden Village in Knowsley will deliver 1,619 new homes in Merseyside along with 22.5 hectares of land for new businesses. A country park will accompany wetlands and restored wildflower meadows to improve biodiversity.

• West Carclaze Garden Village will support the delivery of up to 1,500 new homes, in an innovative, sustainable new community that promotes the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Today’s move builds on the landmark reforms in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill introduced to Parliament last week, which set out how the government will spread opportunity and prosperity to every corner of the country. The Bill empowers local leaders to revitalise their town centres, taking control of empty shops and sparking an al fresco dining revolution.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP said:

Building beautiful new homes in the places they are most needed lies at the heart of the government’s levelling up mission.

Garden villages and towns are perfect examples of the vibrant, green communities we want to see right across the country and today’s funding will allow us to work hand-in-hand with local leaders and industry to deliver the high-quality new homes that we need.

Today’s investment brings total funding for the Garden Communities programme to more than £69 million, helping level up the country and regenerate communities, with most of the new homes situated in the North, Midlands and South West.

It will also support nearly 200,000 jobs in the schools, shops and offices developed within each garden community, part of the government’s drive to help people secure good jobs where they live, grow the economy and tackle the cost of living.

The programme provides support to progress long-term housing projects from their earliest stages. It enables local authorities to recruit specialist staff, undertake the required planning and receive advice and support from the housing delivery body, Homes England.

The announcement builds on plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to put beauty and nature at the heart of new development design, with the introduction of mandatory design codes, which will make sure developers respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space.

This funding is in addition to the £1.5 billion Levelling Up Home Building Fund, helping SME builders and to deliver over 42,000 new homes in England.

The Garden Communities programme supports house building in 43 towns and villages from Cornwall to Carlisle and will deliver over 300,000 homes, up to 90,000 of which will be affordable.

List of areas allocated funding

Garden Towns

• Hemel, Hertfordshire

• Otterpool Park, Folkestone and Hythe

• Manydown, Basingstoke

• Harlow & Gilston, Essex and Hertfordshire

• Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

• Taunton, Somerset

• St Cuthbert’s, Carlisle

• Greater Exeter, Devon

• Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

• North Northants, Northamptonshire

Garden Villages

• Longcross, Runnymede, Surrey

• Newton Abbot, Teignbridge

• Langarth, Cornwall

• Burtree, Darlington

• Chelmsford, Essex

• Dunton Hills, Brentwood

• Golden Valley, Cheltenham

• South Ashford, Ashford

• Tendring – Colchester borders

• Skerningham, Darlington

• Long Marston, Stratford-on-Avon

• East of Biggleswade, Central Bedfordshire

• North Dorchester, Dorset

• South Seaham, Durham

• Whetstone Pastures, Blaby

• Uttlesford Park, Uttlesford

• West Carclaze, Cornwall

• Culm, Mid Devon

• Halsnead, Knowsley

• West of Elvington, York

• Dunsfold Park, Waverley

• Welbourne, Fareham

• Meecebrook, Stafford

• Dalton Barracks, South Oxfordshire

• Salt Cross, West Oxfordshire

• Infinity, South Derbyshire

• Berinsfield, South Oxfordshire

• Borough Green Gardens, Tonbridge and Malling

• Bailrigg, Lancaster

• Spitalgate Heath, South Kevesten

• Tresham, East Northamptonshire

• Pan-Essex

• Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce and industry identify immediate actions to improve short term supply and ensure ongoing stability
• Further Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) issued to provide flexibility for pharmacists to substitute for appropriate products

Urgent action continues to be taken to improve supply of HRT products, helping those who need it access vital medicine.

Since the government has been working to resolve HRT supply and brought in measures to do so – such as SSPs for certain products as well as appointing Madelaine McTernan as Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce – access to HRT is improving, helping those who need it access vital medicine.

Availability of Premique Low Dose has improved thanks to SSPs issued on 29 April to restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months’ supply. Since these measures were implemented, further deliveries of all three products have been made, with Premique Low Dose returning to good availability this week. The manufacturers of Oestrogel and Ovestin, as well as suppliers of alternative HRT products, are taking action to increase UK supply.

Following positive engagement with pharmacists, the government has issued further SSPs to allow pharmacists the flexibility to safely offer women substitute high-demand products – Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel sachets – with appropriate alternatives, such as transdermal patches, which are in good supply.

Giving women the option to substitute products is a safe, effective way to ensure HRT continues to be available for everyone who needs it and women can continue to manage their menopausal symptoms. Anyone who has questions or concerns about HRT should speak to their GP or pharmacist. Clinical advice for these SSPs was taken from national experts including clinicians from the British Menopause Society and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

SSPs restricting prescriptions to a maximum of three months’ supply will also be issued for substitute products, as a precautionary measure to ensure the supply of those substitutes is maintained.

The move follows engagement between the Head of HRT Supply Taskforce, Madelaine McTernan, and the sector on measures to ensure the efficient use of current stock as well as increasing supply, both in the near term as well as providing stability for the future.

Meetings have also resulted in some suppliers taking swift action to secure additional stock of HRT products which are experiencing shortages resulting in good supply of Premique Low Dose which previously experienced shortages.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:

We are working to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken.

Meetings with suppliers are ongoing and we’re taking decisive action to manage HRT supply issues and reduce any delays – this includes issuing further SSPs so that women are able to access the medication they need.

Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce Madelaine McTernan said:

I am very encouraged by the constructive engagement across the sector and enthusiasm with which suppliers and pharmacists are looking to work with us to meet this challenge.

Focusing both on measures that ensure we can use stocks most efficiently whilst also ensuring supply is increased is critical”.

Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield said:

Improving stability of supply is another key measure in increasing support for menopausal and per-menopausal women to improve their quality of life.

Women’s health is a priority for this government – we’re working around the clock to ensure supply of HRT is stable now, and in the long-term.

NHSE guidance makes clear prescribers are not limited by formulary lists and are not prevented from prescribing a wider range of products.

The British Menopause Society resource on HRT supply provides information on choosing alternative HRT products. Furthermore, information on which formulations are most appropriate for different populations and comorbidities can be found on the NICE website.

NHS England encourages prescribers to check the availability of HRT products before prescribing, by reviewing the NHS England Specialist Pharmacy Service website liaising with local pharmacies to identify available stocks and agreeing suitable alternatives where necessary.

MHRA has reminded both HRT manufacturers and suppliers of the action they can take to ease supply shortages and has supplemented existing guidance on these by holding workshops on 16 May with representatives of manufacturers, community pharmacies and wholesalers to ensure these provisions are understood. This includes confirming that pharmacies have the flexibility to share medicines, where appropriate. MHRA are also working to consolidate their guidance so that it is available from a single webpage and this will be available shortly.

The vast majority of HRT products remain available, and alternatives are available for any products affected by supply issues.

• On 29 April the Health and Social Care Secretary issued three SSPs to [restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months’ supply](Three-month limit for 3 HRT products to ensure continued access – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Further SSPs have been issued to allow community pharmacists, in consultation with patients, to supply specified alternatives to the prescribed HRT products without needing to seek authorisation from the clinician who has prescribed the medicine. Clinical advice for these SSPs was taken from national experts including clinicians from the British Menopause Society and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Further SSPs have been issued to limit dispensing to three months’ supply for the two substitute products, estradiol patches and estriol cream, to ensure that supply is maintained
• This is not an indication that these products are out of stock but will provide greater flexibility for pharmacists and to ensure more people can continue to access the medication they need.
• The products that may be substituted if unavailable are Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto 1.53mg transdermal spray and Sandrena 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets.
• More detail on the Health Secretary, Madelaine McTernan and Minister Caulfield’s meeting with suppliers and manufacturers
• MHRA guidance allows the transfer of medicines between pharmacies without the need to hold a WDA (wholesaler/dealer license) provided: it takes place on an occasional basis; the quantity of medicines supplied is small; the supply is made on a not for profit basis; and the supply is not for onward wholesale distribution.

• Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce and industry identify immediate actions to improve short term supply and ensure ongoing stability
• Further Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) issued to provide flexibility for pharmacists to substitute for appropriate products

Urgent action continues to be taken to improve supply of HRT products, helping those who need it access vital medicine.

Since the government has been working to resolve HRT supply and brought in measures to do so – such as SSPs for certain products as well as appointing Madelaine McTernan as Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce – access to HRT is improving, helping those who need it access vital medicine.

Availability of Premique Low Dose has improved thanks to SSPs issued on 29 April to restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months’ supply. Since these measures were implemented, further deliveries of all three products have been made, with Premique Low Dose returning to good availability this week. The manufacturers of Oestrogel and Ovestin, as well as suppliers of alternative HRT products, are taking action to increase UK supply.

Following positive engagement with pharmacists, the government has issued further SSPs to allow pharmacists the flexibility to safely offer women substitute high-demand products – Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel sachets – with appropriate alternatives, such as transdermal patches, which are in good supply.

Giving women the option to substitute products is a safe, effective way to ensure HRT continues to be available for everyone who needs it and women can continue to manage their menopausal symptoms. Anyone who has questions or concerns about HRT should speak to their GP or pharmacist. Clinical advice for these SSPs was taken from national experts including clinicians from the British Menopause Society and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

SSPs restricting prescriptions to a maximum of three months’ supply will also be issued for substitute products, as a precautionary measure to ensure the supply of those substitutes is maintained.

The move follows engagement between the Head of HRT Supply Taskforce, Madelaine McTernan, and the sector on measures to ensure the efficient use of current stock as well as increasing supply, both in the near term as well as providing stability for the future.

Meetings have also resulted in some suppliers taking swift action to secure additional stock of HRT products which are experiencing shortages resulting in good supply of Premique Low Dose which previously experienced shortages.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:

We are working to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken.

Meetings with suppliers are ongoing and we’re taking decisive action to manage HRT supply issues and reduce any delays – this includes issuing further SSPs so that women are able to access the medication they need.

Head of the HRT Supply Taskforce Madelaine McTernan said:

I am very encouraged by the constructive engagement across the sector and enthusiasm with which suppliers and pharmacists are looking to work with us to meet this challenge.

Focusing both on measures that ensure we can use stocks most efficiently whilst also ensuring supply is increased is critical”.

Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield said:

Improving stability of supply is another key measure in increasing support for menopausal and per-menopausal women to improve their quality of life.

Women’s health is a priority for this government – we’re working around the clock to ensure supply of HRT is stable now, and in the long-term.

NHSE guidance makes clear prescribers are not limited by formulary lists and are not prevented from prescribing a wider range of products.

The British Menopause Society resource on HRT supply provides information on choosing alternative HRT products. Furthermore, information on which formulations are most appropriate for different populations and comorbidities can be found on the NICE website.

NHS England encourages prescribers to check the availability of HRT products before prescribing, by reviewing the NHS England Specialist Pharmacy Service website liaising with local pharmacies to identify available stocks and agreeing suitable alternatives where necessary.

MHRA has reminded both HRT manufacturers and suppliers of the action they can take to ease supply shortages and has supplemented existing guidance on these by holding workshops on 16 May with representatives of manufacturers, community pharmacies and wholesalers to ensure these provisions are understood. This includes confirming that pharmacies have the flexibility to share medicines, where appropriate. MHRA are also working to consolidate their guidance so that it is available from a single webpage and this will be available shortly.

The vast majority of HRT products remain available, and alternatives are available for any products affected by supply issues.

• On 29 April the Health and Social Care Secretary issued three SSPs to [restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months’ supply](Three-month limit for 3 HRT products to ensure continued access – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Further SSPs have been issued to allow community pharmacists, in consultation with patients, to supply specified alternatives to the prescribed HRT products without needing to seek authorisation from the clinician who has prescribed the medicine. Clinical advice for these SSPs was taken from national experts including clinicians from the British Menopause Society and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Further SSPs have been issued to limit dispensing to three months’ supply for the two substitute products, estradiol patches and estriol cream, to ensure that supply is maintained
• This is not an indication that these products are out of stock but will provide greater flexibility for pharmacists and to ensure more people can continue to access the medication they need.
• The products that may be substituted if unavailable are Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto 1.53mg transdermal spray and Sandrena 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets.
• More detail on the Health Secretary, Madelaine McTernan and Minister Caulfield’s meeting with suppliers and manufacturers
• MHRA guidance allows the transfer of medicines between pharmacies without the need to hold a WDA (wholesaler/dealer license) provided: it takes place on an occasional basis; the quantity of medicines supplied is small; the supply is made on a not for profit basis; and the supply is not for onward wholesale distribution.