A new project to improve the way affordable homes are let to tenants will be launched this week.

'North Yorkshire Homechoice' - the North Yorkshire Choice Based Lettings scheme - has been developed by most local authorities and housing associations across the county, including Selby District Council. 

The new approach is based on the public advertising of available properties - from both councils and housing associations.   It is designed to promote choice, mobility and better information about housing options for local people seeking accommodation. 

A new countywide housing register has been created, and everyone registered with the scheme will soon receive a 'welcome pack' with details of their unique reference number, their banding within Homechoice and information about how to bid for homes.

And the first properties are due to be advertised this week - July 7.

"This is a very exciting new scheme making affordable homes more accessible to the people who need them," said Homechoice project manager, Ian Taylor.

"And no one needs to worry - help and advice is at hand for people who are new to this. They can contact their local landlord or local council's housing options team or check out the guidance on the website about how to find a home."

Properties will be advertised on the website - www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk and will also be on display at both landlords and Council public offices.  Homeseekers can bid for homes in a number of ways:

• via the website
• by automated telephone bidding line - 0300-011-2170
• by text - 7537402495
• in person at a local housing office
• by postal coupon

Following the first advertising cycle this week, properties will be advertised weekly every Thursday.  Bidders will have until the following Tuesday to register their bid for the home of their choice.  Feedback about the status of successful bidders will be published on the website on a regular basis.

In future months existing tenants wanting to swap homes with other tenants will also be able to use Homechoice to advertise their homes, and more housing options will be advertised via the Homechoice scheme.