News release from City of Wolverhampton Council dated Thursday 11 January 2024
City of Wolverhampton residents and stakeholders are being invited to have their say on shaping the city’s Housing Strategy.
A collaborative approach will inform the development of the strategy to meet future housing and accommodation needs in the city.
It will help link up new and emerging developments within the city’s housing offer to create communities that have access to good quality, safe and healthy homes.
The revision of the Housing Strategy will ensure there continues to be a supply of housing and housing services to meet the needs and aspirations of the city’s current and future residents.
Feedback from the consultation will also help inform the development of the city’s Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
Under the current Housing Strategy, hundreds of new council homes have been developed; the council’s own housing company, WV Living, has delivered new developments across the city; residents have moved into the first new council homes at Heath Town, while the high-rise blocks and estate have also seen major transformation; work has been completed on the first homes as part of an extensive retrofitting programme of non-traditionally built housing stock; and support from residents has been secured for further estate redevelopment at New Park Village.
The council is also delivering a range of specialist/supported accommodation and last year opened a new centre – Peter Bilson House - offering additional accommodation and a space for multi-agency support for vulnerable people and people with a history of rough sleeping. Rogue landlords have been taken to court and poor housing standards within the private rented sector continue to be tackled through the Rent with Confidence scheme.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“We are proud of what we have achieved to create a better housing offer and service for people living in our city.
“Through this public consultation we are now seeking views to ensure our Housing Strategy for the city addresses the challenges being experienced by residents and stakeholders.
“This strategy confirms the importance of, and delivery plans to, accelerate housing development that will support inclusive economic growth, but it also focuses on people and our plans to support our residents and create better homes and communities.
“We are committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in the City of Wolverhampton.”
To take part in the survey and access the draft Housing Strategy document, please visit: https://consultation.wolverhampton.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategy
Paper response forms are available from City of Wolverhampton Council Customer Services Reception at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SH.
The survey closes on Sunday, February 4, 2024.