Rural Housing Week 2022: Grinshill and Wem residents urged to complete parish surveys to help identify local housing need

To mark Rural Housing Week 2022 this week (Monday 4 July to Friday 8 July 2022), we are showcasing the work we and our partners are undertaking to support our rural communities.

Today we hear from Right Home, Right Place, a Shropshire Council-led initiative which aims to identify hidden housing needs across the county and ensure local people have access to the right housing in their area.

Throughout the year, Right Home, Right Place runs questionnaires in all participating parishes across Shropshire.

Map of parishes across Shropshire who’ve taken part in local housing surveys

Their latest survey is aimed at residents in Grinshill and Wem, who are being asked to complete a short questionnaire to help determine the housing needs of the local parishes.

Grinshill survey by Right Home, Right Place

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for built housing, said:

“If you live in Grinshill or Wem you should have received our Housing Needs Survey. All residents should complete it, whatever their housing status.

“These surveys are invaluable, not just for helping Shropshire Council to understand the different demographics and housing needs in your parish, but also for parish councils to get a clearer picture of whether affordable housing is needed in that parish – and by whom.

“Without finding out about people’s current housing situation, we have no way of understanding whether there’s enough of the right properties in a parish for those who need them: whether it’s a single parent living with family, an older person looking for a property with easier mobility, an individual who can’t get on the property ladder, or a young family who needs something larger.

“If you live in these parishes, please make sure you complete it asap; it could help to shape future homes. You can complete the survey here.”

To find out more about Right Home, Right Place visit – Right Home Right Place | Identifying Housing Need in Shropshire