A £1m spending boost to support community-led housing projects which aim to meet the needs of local people has been approved by Northumberland County Council.

At its meeting on Tuesday, March 12, the council’s cabinet agreed to approve a budget allocation of £1million for community-led housing projects, with an extra £300,000 to be used for related revenue expenses, including paying for a dedicated officer to run the programme.

In 2016, the council was awarded £1.3million from the Government’s Community Housing Fund, to help establish the scheme.

The scheme helps community groups tackle the problems of second-home ownership, delivering affordable housing, and allowing parish councils or other community groups to own and have a long-term role in the management of the properties, which are not subject to Right to Buy and are for rent at affordable rates.

In January, Corbridge Parish Council agreed a funding package for the purchase of three affordable houses and one bungalow on the Milkwell Lane site, as part of plans from Miller Homes for 185 new houses.

The parish council agreed it would apply for a low interest loan from the county council to help purchase the properties from a housing developer and then rent them out to local people at a low rate.

Council leader Peter Jackson said: “We do have communities right across Northumberland who feel forgotten in a way in terms of delivery of homes for local people at rents they can afford. This is one of the tools we are using to deal with that.”

Coun John Riddle, the cabinet member for housing, added: “It’s a great bottom-up approach and it’s about the right houses in the right place.”

Coun Nick Oliver added: “It’s a significant opportunity, particularly in areas where it’s difficult to deliver social or affordable housing and where house prices are very high.”

A policy agreed by the council allows for three forms of financial support through the scheme. Up to £4,000 is available to support the creation of community organisations which can consult with the public.

And money will also be available for a scheme feasibility fund and a housing development fund, the latter providing a contribution to the total development costs of a new home.

A further £163m nationally is available through Homes England, with local authorities able to bid on behalf of community groups.