Scheme aims to bring homes within reach (From Warrington Guardian)

Scheme aims to bring homes within reach

AN INCREASE in the number of affordable houses in mid Cheshire could be on the cards following a new initiative.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust has joined forces with six local authorities and 10 housing associations in Cheshire to form a group called the Cheshire Housing Alliance (CHA).

The group aims to increase the number of affordable homes in Cheshire and has produced the Cheshire Sub-Regional Housing Strategy - a document it will use to lobby the Government for funding.

Steve Jennings, chief executive of Weaver Vale Housing Trust and chairman of the CHA, said: "Local authorities within Cheshire have a history of working in partnership.

"The recent extension of that partnership to the principal Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and the creation of the Cheshire Housing Alliance takes partnership working in Cheshire to a new level.

"The production of this sub-regional housing strategy demonstrates our joint commitment to addressing housing needs holistically across the whole of the sub regional market and our determination to ensure our residents are well housed."

The group's priorities are to provide new affordable housing in urban areas, market towns and sustainable rural areas to support the local economy and the wider economy of the north west and to provide specialist housing for older people and vulnerable clients. They are also aiming to regenerate and provide decent homes to people who live in Cheshire.

House prices in Cheshire are significantly higher than the average in the north west and are now almost six times more than the average income, meaning many people simply cannot afford to buy a home.

The strategy was launched in October and been debated in the recent Northern Development Summit. The work has put people's housing needs in Cheshire on the national agenda.

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk