Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a summary of FAQ’s asked by people about Community Land Trusts and social/affordable housing:
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What is a Community Land Trust (CLT)?
A CLT is a not-for-profit community based organisation that aims to develop permanently affordable housing for long-term community benefit. The statutory definition is in part 2 of the Housing & Regeneration Act, 2008.
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What is meant by ‘affordable housing’?
'Affordable housing' means housing at less than market rent or open market value. It includes social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing which can be for rent or sale and is aimed at those households who are unable to afford the local open markets costs.
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What is meant by ‘affordable rents'?
‘Affordable rents' can be set at up to 80% of local market rent, which in an affluent area such as Harrogate can soon become unaffordable for many. Hence, many CLT’s seek to link rental costs to local salary levels.
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What are the main types of affordable housing available?
- Social rental housing, which in Harrogate is owned and let through Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) and by housing associations. These homes are offered at the lowest rents which are set by the Government
- Affordable rented housing, again owned and let by HBC and housing associations. These operate in a similar way to social rental housing but higher rents can be charged – up to 80% of market rents.
- Intermediate housing, covers all affordable housing but typically might include households who wish to buy their own home (via shared ownership or low cost housing for sale) or those who might not be given a high enough priority for rental housing through HBC to qualify for social or affordable rentals.
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Why are there so many types of affordable housing?
Different households can have very different housing needs – it’s what we call 'right sizing'. Affordable housing is all about offering a range of choices:
- Young workers might need low priced housing near to their place of employment.
- Young families earning low or average incomes may need help to buy their first home or buy near support networks.
- Older people may wish to downsize but wish to stay in the same area to maintain links with community and families.
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How are affordable homes allocated?
Priority would always be given to local people, with the exact allocation methodology dependent on the type of housing being built.
Harrogate Community Land Trust Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefits Society Act 2014
(Registered number 7752)
Harrogate Community Land Trust Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefits Society Act 2014 (Registered number 7752)