A partnership designed to deliver more affordable homes across North Yorkshire has been officially launched.

The North Yorkshire Rural Housing Enablers' network will look to find solutions for rural communities facing a shortage of affordable housing.

Working on behalf of the North Yorkshire Strategic Housing Board, eight local authorities across North Yorkshire have established a network of enablers who are working to identify the needs of rural communities.

The £805,000 project is funded through the Regional Housing Board and contributions from Registered Social Landlords, National Parks, Housing Associations and Local Authorities.


The enablers who will cover the local authority areas for the City of York, Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby saw the scheme launched last week.

"This partnership of rural housing enablers is unique it is the first time that a group has been created to work together to bring more affordable homes into our rural county," said Councillor Jean Butterfield Chair of North Yorkshire Strategic Housing Board.

"They will be able to draw on support from one another as they establish a programme to provide solutions to communities facing a real shortage of homes for local people.

"It is an exciting challenge for both the enablers and the councils they are supporting. We want to see people able to remain living in villages rather than being forced to leave because of high house prices and a lack of homes. This programme is about local homes for local people and is one that is already reaping dividends."

(CD/JM)