House buyers receive £7.5m boost

The money will help first time buyers in the 'Golden Triangle'

First time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder in the region's housing hotspots have been given a £7.5m housing boost.

Councils in the expensive 'Golden Triangle' housing area of York, Harrogate and North Leeds want to see more affordable homes available.

Their partnership has received £7.5m from the Regional Housing Board over the next five years.

The first £500,000 will be used to pilot a home ownership help scheme.

There is no sign that things are going to get any better Dawn Saxby, assistant director of housing

The money will increase housing opportunities for first time buyers and people who work within the 'Golden Triangle.'

Members of the Golden Triangle Housing Partnership hope to match the £7.5m funding with help from the private sector for further initiatives.

Dawn Saxby, assistant director of housing for Harrogate Council, said the average house price in Harrogate is about £195,000.

Attract funding

She said: "This is 73% higher than the regional average for Yorkshire and the Humber and 17% higher than the average for North Yorkshire.

"Whilst this average dropped slightly from last year, there is no sign that things are going to get any better."

The partnership also includes representatives from the Home Housing Association, Yorkshire Housing and the Housing Corporation.

Ms Saxby said: "Working together through the partnership means that we can get the most value out of initiatives, including attracting funding, to help local people on lower incomes access the housing market in our areas."