SLDC wants your views on housing for the future

26 May 2011

Many households in South Lakeland will soon be receiving a housing questionnaire from South Lakeland District Council, which will help the council to understand the housing needs and issues across the district.

The council has commissioned a strategic survey to provide information about the full range of housing issues for people across the district.  The survey will find out what housing is required across South Lakeland including the levels of open market, affordable housing and specialist/supported housing for groups including older people. 

The Housing Survey will be mailed out on Friday 3 June to approximately 16,800 homes in towns and villages across the whole of South Lakeland and looks at all the housing needs in the area, not only affordable housing.  However, updating information on the need for affordable housing will also be an important aspect of the survey. 

Councillor Peter Thornton, portfolio holder for Housing and Development, said: “I hope everyone who receives a questionnaire through the letterbox takes the time to fill it in.  It is important we get a good return rate from all parts of the district so a detailed picture can be created showing the housing needs in different areas.  The results of this survey will help the council make the right decisions about housing, especially in rural areas and what you tell us will affect the future provision of housing in your area.” 

The results from the survey will be evidence based and will inform the present and future housing plans of the council.  The council has commissioned arc4 Ltd and Cumbria Rural Housing to carry out the survey.  Arc4 Ltd are a housing, regeneration and research consultancy that have previously worked with SLDC and other councils across the North of England and Cumbria Rural Housing is a charity based in Penrith which seeks to identify the need for rural affordable housing and help deliver it across Cumbria. 

Anyone who wishes to participate in the survey can complete the questionnaire online from 4 June by going to http://www.southlakes2011.info/ or by calling 0800 612 9133.  More information can also by found on the council’s website.

SLDC last undertook a survey of this type in 2006 and carries one out every five years.