Have your say on housing strategy

The issues have become increasingly important in recent years, as economic hard times have left more people struggling to afford their mortgage repayments or monthly rent.

Now, Rother District Council has launched a consultation offering residents the chance to influence which issues are treated as the highest priority in the authority’s housing and homelessness strategy.

These could include helping prevent people losing their home, improving access to private rented accommodation, helping people buy their own homes, increasing the number of affordable homes or tackling fuel poverty.

The council would also like to hear from people who want to buy their own home but can’t afford the deposit, or are considering building their home.

Cllr Joy Hughes, cabinet member for housing and older people, said: “The difficult economic climate in recent years has had a knock-on effect which we see evidence of here in Rother. When times are hard, it means more people have difficulty paying their bills, struggling to get on the housing ladder and, unfortunately, an increasing number of people losing their homes.

“As an authority, it’s our job to do everything we can to ensure people have access to high quality accommodation, but to ensure our resources are targeted at the areas of greatest need, it’s important people tell us the things which affect them most.” The consultation runs until mid-October - visit www.rother.gov.uk/HousingConsultations