Work will now start on four "desperately needed" rented housing schemes in the next 12 months.

The grant is from the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme, and is the third biggest award in the West Midlands region.

The cash means that plans to begin work on 80 new units have been brought forward.

'Chronic housing situation'

Three of the new schemes will be delivered by Worcestershire Housing Association,and Bromford Housing Association.

The fourth development will be provided by Festival Housing Association and will deliver much needed accommodation for vulnerable young people.

Kathryn Robb, housing services manager at Worcester City Council, said: "The grant signals a start to addressing the chronic housing situation in the city, but there remains a long way to go."

The four schemes are at Whitmore Road, Wylds Lane, Bath Road and Martley Road.

A recent city council survey into housing needs identified an immediate shortfall of 2,781 units of affordable housing in Worcester.