Bradford Council bosses could get their hands on a share of more than £550 million to boost the number of social and affordable homes in the area - but will have to put forward their case in the bidding battle.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper has revealed thousands of families across Yorkshire and the Humber are to benefit from £559 million funding to build new homes.

The money is the allocation of regional funding for 2008-11 from the total announced in last week's Pre-Budget Report and comprehensive Spending Review.

The money is not divided up between councils, but will be handed to the unelected Yorkshire and Humber regional assembly and councils will have to argue they have the greatest need before the assembly reports back to Government with its proposals.

The money announced, which the Government says is a 32 per cent increase for the region, compared with the current spend this year, will go towards improving existing social housing and regeneration projects in addition to providing more social and low cost homes.

Miss Cooper said: "We want to support local towns and cities that are keen to back more homes for local families.

"We will be looking to provide more investment both in affordable housing and infrastructure, and to work with communities who recognise the strong need for new homes.

"Yorkshire and the Humber needs more affordable, decent homes not just to own, but also to rent.

"We need more low cost homes and more social homes and we need to work in partnership with housing associations and private developers to create mixed communities.

"Providing social housing for families and addressing the problems faced by first time buyers is a top priority for this government and the allocations show we are committed to this."