Have your say about new housing strategy

People can soon have their say about a new housing strategy for Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Produced by Shropshire Council and Herefordshire Council, the Joint Housing Strategy for Herefordshire and Shropshire is currently at a draft stage and the views of residents and partner organisations are being sought before it is finalised.

The consultation period will run from 8 July 2011 to 30 September 2011.

The strategy will set the housing priorities for Herefordshire and Shropshire up to 2015.

Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing, said:

“The challenges ahead for both rural counties are significant and include a lack of affordable housing, particularly in smaller communities; increasing numbers people threatened with homelessness; high levels of fuel poverty; disrepair in private housing; and a growing number of vulnerable people who have housing and support needs, particularly older people.

“We need to be clear how we will shape our services and work with our partners and our local communities to continue to deliver effective housing services which provide positive outcomes in the future.”

Copies of the strategy are being issued to key stakeholders and residents’ groups and copies are also available at libraries and council headquarters’ main receptions.

Additionally, copies of the Joint Housing Strategy and response form can be requested from Shropshire Council on 01743 252431 or by emailing housing.strategy@shropshire.gov.uk, from 8 July.

The full consultation draft document and response form are also available at the West Housing Market Area Partnership website: www.westhousingpartnership.co.uk.

The Strategy will be published by the end of 2011.