A major new housing strategy is being drawn up for North Yorkshire - and local people are being urged to have their say.

They will get their input during six-week consultation programme and, once finalised, the strategy will be used to secure and direct future housing investment.

Developed by the North Yorkshire Strategic Housing Partnership, it will provide a framework to develop housing policies and initiatives.

And as a result it will impact on organisations that deliver housing and related services as well as affecting the people who live in the county now.

The draft strategy has been produced following initial consultation with stakeholders and residents in March 2009.

It includes a number of housing priorities for the area based around a number of themes and a proposed vision - to make the county a place where everyone can have access to decent affordable homes and effective support when they need it.

"Only by listening to - and taking into account - the views of as many people as possible can we produce a strategy that tackles the most critical housing issues," said Coun Jean Butterfield, chair of the Local Government York and North Yorkshire Housing Board.

"We really need to hear from stakeholders and the public if we are going to make sure the strategy is unique and the right way for us to attract housing investment in the future."

The consultation programme begins on January 25. For further information visit northyorkshirehousingstrategy.co.uk or pick up a leaflet from housing departments.