It’s important to note that there is already affordable housing in Greystoke. Regardless of whether we need, or want, more, there are houses which can become available.

What affordable housing already exists in Greystoke and how often does it become available?

It is estimated that 33 homes in Greystoke meet a definition of ‘affordable’, such as those let by Eden Housing in Castle Gardens and Park Road. It’s hard to estimate how many homes become available in a typical year, but we can use data on bidding on Cumbria Choice Based Lettings. Bids can only be made when properties become available for letting. In 2023 no bids were made, suggesting that no properties became available, In the previous years the lowest number of bids received per year was 46, in 2022. 87 bids were received in 2021. 115 bids were received in 2020 (applicants can bid up to 3 times per property).

To be able to bid on a property, you must have joined the housing register.

Join the Housing Register

Joining the housing register is the first, crucial step. You can join from age 16. Our housing register is run by Cumbria Choice and you can read more about how to do that on their site. Eden Housing Association advertise properties through Cumbria Choice and have some more information on this here: https://www.edenha.org.uk/

How to Join the Housing Register

Westmorland and Furness Council have a great page explaining how to go this, and we’re not going to repeat that, so check it out here: https://www.eden.gov.uk/housing-services/housing-allocations/how-to-join-the-housing-register/ It’s got links to all the resources you’ll need, plus Eden Housing Association contact details.

What’s the Takeaway from this?

We already have affordable housing in the Parish, and your first step on the way to getting a property is to register your interest. We’ll publicise any affordable housing opportunities we become aware of. But the takeaway from this is register now – don’t wait for more affordable housing to be built!

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Let’s get some definitions!

What is Social Housing?

The aim of social housing is to provide affordable rental or shared ownership properties for those most in need who might not otherwise be able to afford to rent or buy a property. Social housing is usually provided at a lower cost than the market rate, making it some of the most affordable housing in the UK. Social housing is often provided by a housing association or council, and you will usually have to register with them. Our closest housing association is Eden Housing Association, and they allocate housing using Cumbria Choice – a partnership between Westmorland & Furness and Cumberland councils, and several Social Housing Providers

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing is generally understood to mean homes that are for sale or rent at prices that are lower than those prevailing in the local housing market, thereby increasing opportunities for people who don’t have sufficient income to buy or rent properties through the market to secure a suitable home. Affordable housing is typically provided by private developers as part of / within a (larger) development of homes built for sale at the prevailing market rates.

What is Community Housing?

More properly we might call this Community Led Housing. This is where the community work to bring housing back into use or build new houses for the local community, It’s driven by the community, for the community. Community Led Homes describes it this way:

Community led housing is where:

1. Meaningful community engagement and consent occurs throughout the development process. The community does not necessarily have to initiate and manage the process, or build the homes themselves, though some may do. 
2. The local community group or organisation owns, manages or stewards the homes and in a manner of their choosing, and this may be done through a mutually supported arrangement with a Registered Provider that owns the freehold or leasehold for the property. 
3. The benefits to the local area and/or specified community must be clearly defined and legally protected in perpetuity.

Community Led Housing is a mechanism by which the community might deliver either Social or Affordable Housing for the local community. Of course the options are not that limited, and Community Led Housing can build some very innovative schemes, such as this cohousing scheme in Lancaster.

What’s the Difference between Social And Affordable Housing?

The main difference between social housing and affordable housing is that social housing is primarily aimed at people on benefits or with disabilities, or facing financial hardship. Affordable housing may be too expensive for those on benefits.

So what do we want to build?

The truth is, it’s far too early to answer that question at the moment. But whether it is Social Housing, Affordable Housing, or even no housing at all, the decision lies with the Community, because we believe this must be community led. And this is where the short survey comes in! It’s really important that we gather as many views as possible to inform our next steps. This is your chance to have your say and shape the future of our community.

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