Nine new housing officers have been recruited in an effort to tackle rogue landlords and improve housing conditions in the area.

North Yorkshire Council council received a grant of £1.4 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities earlier this year through the Pathfinder Programme.

The money will aid in helping improve housing conditions and increase enforcement activity, the council said.

This funding has made it possible to hire the new officers, who will be paired with experienced mentors for a two-year training program.

By the end of the program, the recruits will also have obtained a degree qualification.

In addition to the recruitment of new officers, the funding will be used to provide training to landlords on crucial matters such as dealing with damp and mold.

It will also enhance the training of existing staff and support research into the quality of the private rented sector in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Councillor Simon Myers, said: “We had over 350 people applying for these nine jobs so it was a tough process to come through, and with the help of our mentors, I am confident we will train knowledgeable and experienced officers.

“This funding will help us tackle the key housing issues our private sector housing faces. The new officers will allow us to improve and increase the housing service through inspections and joint work with partners. 

“The programme will also help us build relationships with landlords, estate agents and housing providers such as the National Residential Landlords Association to ensure that residents in North Yorkshire have suitable and safe housing.”

There are also plans to establish a centralised approach to housing, which will involve the development of a new enforcement policy.

The council said its strategy is expected to enhance the its ability to effectively investigate and address housing issues in the area.