PEOPLE in Selby are to get their say on how they believe affordable housing should work as a scheme to make home-buying easier is unveiled.

Selby District Council has joined forces with other local authorities in the region to create a new system which is intended to smooth the path for those looking to find somewhere to live.

The new way of working, called Choice Based Lettings, is aimed at standardising and simplifying the application process for people seeking a property.

It will include setting up of a central base to provide details of homes which are available and an application form which will be accessible across the region.

The proposals – which also suggest offering an enhanced range of services for potential tenants and introducing an accreditation system for private landlords – have now gone out for consultation and a string of public meetings in the Selby area have been organised over the next few weeks Coun Gillian Ivey, who chairs the council’s social board, said: “The affordable housing system is designed to help individuals and families on lower incomes to secure good-quality long-term accommodation.

“Many people are surprised that the eligibility criteria is quite wide. Providing a better balance in the housing market and providing access to homes for those who need them is one of the council’s key priorities for this year “The proposals to revamp the existing system are designed to give people greater choice and flexibility, which ultimately means all the local councils involved will be able to offer a better service for residents. It’s about making sure the system meets the needs of people living in the area.”

Ian Taylor, who is the project manager for the joint proposals, said the aim was to adopt a more customer-friendly approach to the housing issue.

He said: “I’d urge people to come along to any of the consultation events and help us to design the best possible scheme,” he said.

The plans will be open for discussion at Lady Popplewell Centre, in Sherburn-in-Elmet, between 4pm and 7pm on September 29 and between the same times at Kelbcar Community Centre in Tadcaster on September 30.

More details are available by logging on to www.selby.gov.uk.