Senior councillors at North Yorkshire Council confirmed new housing initiatives aimed at tackling the acute shortage of affordable rural homes across Skipton and the wider Dales. Executive member for housing Cllr Simon Myers emphasised that funding generated through second-homes council tax premiums and partnerships with housing providers is accelerating delivery.
The strategy aims to deliver 500 new council-owned homes across the county by 2029, alongside joint ventures with housing developers to unlock council-owned land for local families.
Local community groups in Craven have welcomed the accelerated strategy, noting that increased social rent and shared-ownership options are vital for keeping young working families in rural Dales communities.