Innovative ways to meet housing need

Earlier this year, Harborough District Council reported that it helped provide the highest number of affordable homes in the Harborough district since its records began. This included affordable homes in Kibworth, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Thurnby, Billesdon, Great Easton, Ullesthorpe, and Market Harborough.

Now, the Council is linking up with the Local Government Association (LGA) to ensure house-builders continue to provide affordable homes, as part of new developments, despite a challenging economic climate. Under the new LGA initiative, the Council has successfully secured support from a specialist housing advisor to work with the Council to find innovative ways to meet housing need, prevent homelessness and generate income.

Councillor Phil King, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for planning, housing and regeneration at the Council, said: “This is a positive opportunity and we’re exploring how we can work with the LGA and developers to meet housing needs in the district in innovative ways.”

Last year the LGA ran the Housing Advisers Programme for the first time. It funded over 40 projects across every region of the country.