A council-owned shared service is taking a collaborative approach to tackling house waiting lists.

A dedicated housing team at Publica, an organisation made up of Cotswold District Council and three other councils, is to look for ways to overcome barriers preventing people finding a home across the Cotswolds.

The team will launch a special incentive scheme at a series of events targeted at private landlords and housing agents next week.

The forums will be an open discussion with landlords and agents about how more private rented accommodation can be made available for people on the waiting list and in receipt of benefits.

Housing property manager Chauncy Seed, said: “There is very little social housing available across the districts and potential tenants face long waiting lists.

“One way we could reduce the wait is to help people get into the private sector but we know there are obstacles to this.

"We want to tackle these by incentivising private landlords and helping would-be tenants.”

Using cash awarded by the ministry of housing, community and local government’s private rented sector access fund, the scheme will provide deposits and rent advances.

The funding will also help to bridge the gap between the local housing allowance and market rates.

Chauncy added: “The successful funding bid was fantastic news as it has allowed us to take a proactive, problem-solving approach.

"We are dedicated to preventing residents across our councils from becoming homeless and this scheme will make a real difference.”

The forums will take place at Cotswold District Council offices from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, May 14.

There are still spaces for interested parties and anyone wishing to attend should email chauncy.seed@publicagroup.uk.