DORSET councils have been given millions of pounds of government cash for playing their parts in meeting housing targets.

Whitehall said yesterday that the New Homes Bonus scheme had seen 550,000 more homes delivered nationwide.

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins published details of the latest payments being made to England’s 353 councils, in recognition of their contribution to building new homes.

Official figures last week from the Office for National Statistics showed that housing construction has risen to its highest levels since 2007.

Under the New Homes Bonus, councils have been rewarded for delivering 550,000 newly-built homes and conversions and brought 93,000 empty homes back into use.

This total also includes more than 160,000 affordable homes.

It means that Bournemouth Borough Council has been given £3,562,367 for 2014/15, while Poole gets £1,935,253 and Christchurch £491,709.

East Dorset will receive £647,651, while North Dorset gets £1,268,018 and Purbeck £345,550.

Dorset County Council will be given £1,264,005.

Mr Hopkins said councils were free to spend the money as they see fit to benefit their area, including freezing council tax.