North Yorkshire housing assessment

All the housing authorities in North Yorkshire are joining forces to carry out a sub-regional strategic housing market assessment.

This includes the district and borough councils of Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Ryedale, Richmondshire, Scarborough, Selby and the City of York council, together with North Yorkshire County council and the National Park Authorities in the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales.

During February 2011 around 160,000 surveys will be sent to homes randomly selected across the region, including 23,000 to York residents.

How will this survey help

The survey will look at all aspects of housing to ensure we understand what type of housing North Yorkshire people need now and in the future, so we can properly meet that need.

The information we get from local people is the best way to make sure we get our local housing plans and planning decisions right.

What will the survey look at

The survey will gather information on:

• what sort of homes people currently live in
• how much homes cost
• how far people travel to work
• why people choose to live where they do

It will also focus on specific housing issues including:

• affordability
• rural housing
• student housing
• second homes
• housing needs of older people
• housing needs for those with support needs

Completing the survey

An independent company Vision Twentyone is conducting the survey.

You can complete the survey online. The online survey includes a Frequently Asked Questions section.

The closing date for completing the survey is Monday 28 February 2011 and the survey findings are due to be published in May 2011.

Contact

If you have any queries regarding this survey you can contact Vision Twentyone's helpline on 0845 230 0139

York housing assessment

The existing Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) looks at the types of housing required to meet York's housing needs over the next 5 years and was completed in July 2007. It is used to inform planning and housing policies and strategies.

The SHMA draws on a range of research data including a postal survey of over 13,000 households in York and discussions with estate and letting agents. It looks in detail at the housing needs of groups such as older people, young families and people with support needs.

Contact

For further information or queries regarding the SHMA please contact the Housing Strategy and Development team.