A housebuilder has extended its deposit contribution scheme in Wiltshire to include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) volunteers and staff.

Barratt Homes Bristol and Barratt David Wilson Homes South West has widened its scheme, initially launched in 2022, to include the 37,000 employees and volunteers of the RNLI and the nation's 60,000 foster carers.

The deposit contribution scheme was first introduced to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service.

Through this initiative, key workers are supported in purchasing a home, with part of their deposit paid.

It has since helped individuals in various sectors including education, police, the fire service, and many others to step onto or move up the property ladder or downsize.

So far, the scheme has supported more than 2,000 key workers across the UK, contributing approximately £34 million.

Under the scheme, key workers can be given £1,000 as a deposit contribution for every £20,000 of a home’s purchase price.

That means, for example, for a home costing £325,000, key workers would be eligible for a contribution of £16,250.

Alongside the deposit contribution, the housebuilder is also offering flooring, worth up to a further one per cent of the home's value.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, said: "We're proud to offer initiatives like our Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme to thousands more deserving individuals.

"The scheme is designed to ease the financial burden for those who tirelessly serve our communities."

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, added: "Our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme has already helped more than 2,000 buyers purchase an energy-efficient home.

"We're now extending the scheme to include those who do outstanding and selfless work both with the RNLI and foster care services."

Dave Nicoll, fundraising partnership lead at the RNLI, said: "We are delighted to join this scheme and work with Barratt David Wilson Homes to offer RNLI employees and volunteers the chance to buy their own home."

Barratt Homes Bristol and Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, are currently building at Wichelstowe, one of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country.

It will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with new schools and community facilities.

The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.