THE council has secured funding to develop community-led housing in the district and provide Wyre Forest with more affordable homes.

Cabinet members have pledged their support to a new drive which encourages residents to get involved in community-led housing models, from self-builds to Community Land Trusts that manage homes on a not-for-profit basis.

The scheme, which comes as part of a national campaign by the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN), aims to inspire local residents to help make key decisions about the type of housing being delivered in their area.

Cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, councillor Ian Hardiman, said: “We are delighted to lend our support to this campaign.

“Here in Wyre Forest we recognise how community-led housing schemes can create more affordable homes, have a positive social impact and put communities at the heart of decision-making.

“We have secured government funding to support the growth of community-led housing schemes within the district.

"We recognise that groups will need financial support to bring communities of interest together, find a model that will be financially viable for affordable housing and most importantly, have the backing of the local community.”

Grants are available to support community-led schemes in the district, with enquiries made to Alex Powell, community-led housing co-ordinator, on 01562 732524 or alexandra.powell@wyreforestdc.gov.uk.

To read more about community-led housing in Wyre Forest, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/clh.