Housing Strategy - Consultation

The Council is currently consulting with residents, Council tenants, housing associations, community groups, Council staff and many other organisations on what they see as the future of housing in Reading. Feedback will be used to develop Reading’s Housing Strategy, which is due to be published in February 2009.

We want to give everyone the opportunity to say what they think is important, to ensure that the Housing Strategy considers residents’ aspirations and priorities.

The Council wants your views about how it should:

• make best use of Reading’s existing housing stock;
• meet the future housing needs of Reading’s population;
• work with partners to secure a good supply of housing; and
• manage neighbourhoods.

The new Housing Strategy will build on the priorities of the Sustainable Communities Strategy, which are to:

• Increase the supply of new housing, including affordable housing;
• Improve conditions in the existing housing stock to, at least, the Government’s Decent Homes Standard; and
• Prevent and reduce homelessness, particularly amongst families with children and people sleeping rough.

Reading’s current Housing Strategy was last updated in 2004. With changes in the housing market and the increasing demand for affordable housing, the time has come to take stock of our achievements and review our strengths so that we are ready to meet challenges of the next few years.

The new Housing Strategy will address three key themes, which are:

• Housing supply;
• Stock condition (including environmental sustainability); and
• Housing services to residents and communities.

This Council has now published a consultation document (see the Article below entitled "Housing Strategy Consultation")detailing the key priorities that we propose to take forward between 2009-2011. You will then have an opportunity to give your views about our proposals.

If you would like more information please contact the Housing  and community Care Strategy Team (see Contact This Service  above).

Article		Description
	Housing Strategy Consultation 2008	Have your say on the Council's new Housing Strategy