People are being invited to help shape the future of housing in Inverclyde over the next five years.

The council is preparing a new strategy which will set out how the local authority and partners will deliver housing and housing services from 2023-28.

It will replace the current strategy which was launched in 2017 and comes to an end this year.

To build the new local housing strategy, Inverclyde Council must set a new vision for homes and communities and agree on priorities for action to tackle the main housing issues in the area.

To ensure it reflects the view of residents, a survey has been launched asking local households to share their views on the housing issues that matter most in their community and how they feel resources, investments and services should be targeted to address these issues.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “It’s vital that we know the issues people are facing with housing and housing services so we can work with our partners to develop a new five-year strategy that will meet the needs of our residents.

“We have seen great improvements in the local housing stock in recent years with several new developments providing modern, affordable and more energy-efficient homes for our communities.

“But there is always more that can be done and that’s why it’s important for as many people as possible to take part in this survey to help us create a strategy that delivers for the whole of Inverclyde.”

The new strategy will outline the plan for addressing the housing challenges facing local communities including:

• Increasing the range of housing options to meet need;
• Developing successful places which are connected to transport, services and jobs;
• Tackling and reducing homelessness;
• Improving housing affordability;
• Supporting people with particular needs to live independently and well;
• Improving the energy efficiency of homes and tackling climate change;
• Improving the quality and condition of existing homes.

The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete.

All responses will be for research purposes only and it will not be possible to identify individual households.

The closing date for responses is 3 October 2022.

To take part in the Local Housing Strategy Survey, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay.