A co-ordinated strategy for the region has been drawn up

Collapsing demand for housing in the north-west of England is being tackled through a new strategy, revealed on Monday.

The first North West regional housing strategy tackles demand for housing, as well as addressing the need for affordable homes in communities where property prices have risen steeply.

It provides guidance for regional agencies and local authorities on co-ordinating housing action and funding, and sets priorities for investment of the Government's single housing funding pot.

Housing Minister Keith Hill welcomed the North West strategy, and said: "Better co-ordination of housing, planning and economic development activity is a crucial part of our drive to create thriving and sustainable communities.

"The development of a robust regional housing strategy and the work of the recently formed housing board are central to this.

"I am very grateful for the work the board has done and the positive response to the new arrangements in the North West."

Good quality

The plan was developed by the North West Housing Board - a new advisory body set up by government to bring together housing and regeneration experts from across the region.

The chair of board, Keith Barnes, said: "Our vision is to create the conditions whereby good quality housing is available to all of the region's households.

"We can only achieve this by pulling together our respective plans for housing, planning, economic and social development.

"I have been delighted by the way the various agencies on the board have come together to agree the strategic priorities for housing in the North West. This interim strategy is the first step.

"The board will now continue to develop its understanding of the regions housing markets to produce a more detailed final strategy by next summer."