New housing scheme funded by second homes tax in North Yorkshire
LIFE model aims to expand supported housing
North Yorkshire Council is launching a supported housing scheme aimed at providing more stable housing for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health challenges. This initiative, funded by the council tax premium on second homes introduced last year, promises to deliver a “step change” in housing services.
The Living Independently For Everyone (LIFE) model, backed by £1 million annually from the premium, will begin with new contracts awarded to Broadacres Housing Association in the east and Horton Housing Association in the west of North Yorkshire.
Key objectives of the LIFE model
The scheme aims to support 300 individuals within four years, marking a 142% increase from current numbers. It offers short-term accommodation paired with assistance, targeting skills development in tenancy management, budgeting, social activities, and overall wellbeing.
As demand grows for mental health support that extends beyond the service's original capacity, the LIFE model will streamline assessments and provide extra support to people with complex needs. A broader range of accommodations is planned alongside efforts to reduce evictions.
Financial and social benefits
Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services, believes that secure housing is essential for healthy living. He remarked, “This new approach is aimed at ensuring more people get the support they need while providing the very best value for money for our taxpayers.”
One woman who has already benefited from the support available in North Yorkshire had been living in temporary accommodation for more than a year following a breakdown in relationships with her family.
She was given support for mental health challenges and advice on managing her finances as well as help to further her education. She is now renting her own home, rebuilt her relationship with her parents and embarked on studies for mental health nursing.
The woman said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all of the council’s support in getting me to where I am now – for all the encouragement, words of wisdom and believing in me.
“I am looking forward to a new exciting chapter, which has been made possible by the support I have been given.”
Currently, 158 individuals with complex needs reside in bed and breakfast accommodations; transitioning them to supported housing could save £2 million annually while offering improved outcomes.