Residential Perspective: Breaking Down the Housing Plan
In an effort to create a brighter future for all, local authorities are devising comprehensive housing strategies that leverage the community's assets to attract investment and provide a quality environment for living, working, and playing.
One such initiative is the planning of a new development of over 100 homes in Stourport. However, engaging residents, particularly underrepresented and vulnerable groups, can be a challenge. To address this, the council is considering attending existing communal events and meetings, rather than housing strategy-specific gatherings.
To ensure a more inclusive approach, the council is training local people to become community researchers. These individuals will engage with residents, providing a familiar face and a more accessible means of communication. This broader dialogue with residents extends over time, not just for the housing strategy, but also for improving engagement in other areas.
Best practices for engaging underrepresented and vulnerable groups in local housing strategies centre on creating inclusive, accessible, and responsive housing environments. Key strategies include providing accessible amenities and services, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and ensuring staff are trained on disability rights and supportive housing laws.
Moreover, the council is establishing clear, transparent processes for participation, engaging residents through accessible communication channels that encourage their feedback and involve them meaningfully in decision-making. Additionally, inclusionary housing policies are being considered, requiring or incentivizing developers to include affordable housing units targeted to low- and moderate-income households.
The council is also applying systems thinking to engagement and policy development, focusing on deep structural issues affecting participation and trust. They are tailoring policies to the community context, using toolkits and data to understand local histories, segregation impacts, and housing needs. Furthermore, they are increasing access to affordable and inclusive housing finance, developing programs that reduce barriers for marginalized groups to obtain housing finance.
In related news, the TRUUD guidance for planning healthy places has been launched. Obtaining genuine buy-in from residents is a significant emphasis in these new housing strategies. Focus groups are being conducted face to face with various groups, including young people, care leavers, individuals with lived experience, older people, people with physical disabilities or learning disabilities, LGBTQIA, BAME communities.
To engage residents effectively, a variety of methods are being used, such as inviting views from residents, community meetings, online surveys, and door-to-door canvassing. Surveys with QR codes are being advertised on social media, hoardings, bus stops, and flyers. Housing strategies, once overlooked, are being re-embraced by more councils due to increasing housing pressures.
Officers across the council can identify contacts in local user and community groups and learn where events are being held. Webinars are also being organized as an alternative means of interaction, recognizing that not everyone wants to meet face to face. Providing feedback to residents post-consultation is crucial to maintain engagement.
The strategy development process involves listening to the opinions of Members, officers, stakeholders, and partners. Campbell Tickell has supported numerous authorities in creating their housing strategies over the past year. Together, these efforts support not only the creation and preservation of affordable housing but also empower underrepresented and vulnerable residents through participation, accessibility, and equitable financial access in local housing strategies.
- To foster a more inclusive community, the council plans to attend existing communal events in Stourport, engaging residents and particularly underrepresented groups in discussions about the new home development and broader lifestyle considerations.
- Implementing an inclusive home-and-garden approach, the council will cater to the needs of varied resident groups, providing accessible amenities, fostering an inclusive culture, and training staff on disability rights and supportive housing laws to create a welcoming environment for all.
