THREE quarters of York's privately owned homes are under-occupied and more must be done to make it easier for elderly people to downsize to smaller properties, city officials have said.

In the city's increasingly competitive housing market, in which 'every home counts,' action is also needed to tackle hazards in the home, fuel poverty and properties standing empty for too long, they say.

City of York Council's new private sector housing strategy says under-occupation is a key issue for York, especially now new housing supply is so constrained. Earlier this week, the council published its new draft local plan, with a large reduction in the amount of land earmarked for housing.

The report says: "Around 75 percent of private sector homes in the city are under-occupied. A significant number of under-occupying households are older.

"Under occupation is one of the factors contributing to fuel poverty, and the ability of the household to heat their homes sufficiently. This leads to numerous health related issues, including increased falls."

York Press:

James Player (left) and Cllr David Carr

It says the council must continue to work with developers to deliver more attractive housing options for older people, and extend its housing advice and information to increase awareness and facilitate choice.

It must also look to address practical barriers that many aspiring downsizers say they face when considering a move.

James Player, of Age UK York, said it could be distressing and stressful for elderly people to leave their family home but there were potential benefits of moving to smaller, more suitable accommodation, such as being able to live independently and healthily for longer.

He said there needed to be a greater availability of smaller and affordable accommodation, and more advice and support for people in negotiating the challenges of downsizing.

The council's strategy says more than 7,000 homes in York have serious hazards, with particularly high levels of hazards in Guildhall, Clifton and Micklegate wards.

It estimates the cost of mitigating such hazards is £15.2 million but says the estimated cost to the NHS of treating accidents and ill health caused by hazards is £2.3 million a year and the wider cost to society is £5.7 million.

The document maps out fuel poverty across the city, with the highest concentrations in the private rented sector in Clifton, Guildhall and Micklegate wards.

Council leader David Carr said that if approved by the executive next week, the revised strategy would help the authority in its work with partners and residents to address issues which impact on occupants’ health while, at the same time, raising standards in private rented accommodation.