Brent Council could spend millions of pounds on housing to support the borough’s public sector workforce.

Its cabinet agreed to borrow up to £110.5 million to purchase a Wembley housing block currently owned by developer Quintain.

Managed by council-owned companies i4B or First Wave Housing, the scheme would provide homes for ‘key workers’ who struggle to find affordable properties.

A cabinet report noted that it will be funded by a mixture of equity and loan, with the exact amount currently being negotiated with Quintain.

The homes would be sold at ‘discount market sale’, which usually results in a saving of around 20 per cent.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, deputy leader of Brent Council, said: “This is very much part of our manifesto pledges.

“We are actively seeking to provide accommodation, not only for our residents but for our workforce and for those shaping the future.”

She added it is important to support key workers – such as teachers, social workers and NHS staff – who are often difficult to recruit and retain.

The housing block, near Wembley Stadium and Brent Civic Centre, would provide 63 one-bed and 90 two-bed homes.

According to the cabinet report, the loan would be financed in accordance with the council’s ‘debt management strategy’.

Its 2019/20 budget has provision to cover the initial loan and any monthly repayments.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for regeneration, property and planning at Brent Council, welcomed the decision to provide more affordable housing in the borough.

She said: “I’m proud that Wembley is seeing a lot of regeneration and I don’t know why our key workers can’t also enjoy that.”