Better, affordable homes for everyone in the district

The Healthier Housing Strategy is now out for public consultation, giving local people and organisations the chance to have their say on the council’s vision for better, affordable homes  and how to make it a reality.

The document recognises that most people across the district own their own homes or rent privately, but sets out key priorities for housing for the next five years. These include building new council houses, working with developers to ensure homes for shared ownership or affordable rent are provided, and maintaining existing homes to a high standard.

Cllr Alan Ewart-James, Cabinet Member for Housing, said it was a key issue for the council:

The document sets out the council’s vision in a transparent and open manner and I hope people will take the time to read it and add their comments.
We know that housing plays a key role in people’s health and wellbeing, and evidence suggests improving housing conditions has a huge impact on both physical and mental health.
By making sure housing across the district is maintained to the highest standards and increasing the options available to people, whether through shared ownership, supported accommodation or adapted homes, we can help people stay healthy and happy.

The strategy was approved by the council’s Cabinet in May and the consultation will be open until Friday, 31 August.

It includes a commitment to provide up to 200 new council houses over 10 years to 2024, with 100 on track to be completed by the end of next year.

The document sets out ways to support people to live independently at home, including providing grants and loans for adaptations or urgent repairs, as well as pledging to continue work to bring empty homes back into use.

And it also features the promotion of community-led housing, including self-build homes, with plots set aside in the Local Plan for this.

For more information or to take part in the consultation, visit https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategy