A project creating a new system for
letting affordable homes across Hambleton and Richmondshire takes a
major step forward this week.
All existing housing applicants are to be
asked to register with the new scheme to preserve their chances of
getting a new home.
‘North Yorkshire Homechoice’ - the North
Yorkshire Choice Based Lettings scheme – is currently being
developed by local authorities and housing associations across the
county.
Due to go live in June, the new approach is
based on the public advertising of available properties – from both
Councils and Housing Associations. It is designed to
promote choice, mobility and better information about housing
options for local people seeking accommodation.
And Hambleton and Richmondshire District
Council’s Assistant Director, Colin Dales, is urging applicants to
make sure they register with NY Homechoice in good time to avoid
losing out.
“This is a massive project, which will really
help homeseekers across the two districts,” he said.
“We’ll shortly be contacting everyone
currently registered on Richmondshire Council or Broadacres Housing
Association ‘waiting lists’ to ask them to register with the
scheme, if they continue to seek housing in the area.
“But there are timescales involved, and
because the length of time they may have been waiting for a new
home matters under the new scheme, it is really important that
people register in time.”
Housing chiefs will contact every housing
applicant to explain the new scheme and ask people if they would
like to register with it. There are two ways to register -
either by requesting and returning an application pack, or by
registering on line at http://www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk/
Applicants will have 28 days to register with the new
scheme
Everyone who re-registers within the timescale
will have their original date of application carried forward to the
new system, but people who do not wish to be considered for housing
need not take any action. Help and advice for re-registering will
be available from Richmondshire and Hambleton Council housing
departments and Broadacres’ staff. Local advice and support
agencies have also been briefed about this work.
“There is help available for anyone who needs
it,” added Colin. “The most important thing is to get
applications returned in good time, because those that do will keep
their application date from when they originally applied, and that
could mean extra priority under the scheme.”
- The North Yorkshire Strategic Housing
Partnership is also currently conducting a massive survey of
housing needs – 160,000 homes across the county are being targeted,
including all those in rural areas. It is looking at all aspects of
housing – including affordable housing, housing for older people
and supported housing for vulnerable people as well as the ‘open’
housing market of homes for sale and rent – and will be used to
support each authority’s Local Development Framework which will
guide future housing developments. For more information check out
http://housingneedsurvey-nyshp.co.uk/