A PILOT scheme to help Winchester residents take their first step on the property ladder has moved a step closer.

The Open Market Shared Ownership (OMSO) scheme, estimated to cost £4.5 million, was initially approved by cabinet in December last year.

The pilot, which will initially involve ten households, involves the council purchasing a property and leasing a share to the applicant.

Potential residents will need to meet certain criteria, with higher scores for those who have lived in the district for more than ten years, work in the area and are first-time buyers.

At the meeting, councillors heard that the council would be liable for paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on the purchase price.

Cllr Guy Ashton, portfolio holder for finance, said this would "help the affordability for the buyer" and that the cost would be recovered through the sale of the property.

Winchester's Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lucille Thompson asked cabinet whether they had the staff resources to carry out the scheme.

Council leader Caroline replied that the council had appointed someone responsible for share ownership who would work to support the project.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey said: " I am delighted with this scheme. I think this is this opportunity to encourage people to live and work in Winchester all adds to the variety and commitment to the district which I think is very much welcome."

The council will now assemble a communications plan to promote the scheme and the facilitation of a launch event.