Residents will be asked their views on a proposed new Trafford Council strategy to tackle housing issues and shortages across the borough.
The Executive met last night (July 22) to approve plans for the Council’s Draft Housing Strategy 2024-2029 to go out to public consultation.
The strategy has been developed to identify key housing priorities for the borough and the measures required to address several supply and demand challenges. The strategy, which replaces a previous version, will focus on continuing to ensure that residents have access to settled, affordable, and decent homes.
The strategy is structured around four strategic priorities:
To increase the supply of housing in Trafford and build more affordable homes.
To ensure Trafford residents can access suitable housing and sustain their homes.
Build homes to meet current and future needs in Trafford
To create neighbourhoods of choice that address inequalities
A report to the Executive outlined how a national housing crisis compounded by a shortage of social housing and ever-increasing rental and property prices has made it more difficult than ever for people to find decent and affordable homes.
The strategy, through extensive consultation, is a vehicle to make a difference locally and provides residents, partners, and stakeholders an opportunity to influence the future delivery of housing in our communities. The Council, through its work with partners, will push on with plans to build more new and affordable homes in the borough and create neighbourhoods addressing inequalities.
The paper sets out the council’s strategic actions and was designed with the understanding that it should connect people to the right housing by investing in homes we already have coupled with the importance of building what we need.
The Executive heard how Trafford has one of the strongest housing markets in Greater Manchester underpinned by higher-than-average levels of home ownership (69% compared to 60%) and significantly higher than average house prices (£361k in 2023/24 compared to £242k in GM).
Cllr James Wright, Executive Member for Housing and Advice, said:
“The document accurately paints a picture of an extremely complex and difficult situation that is making buying or renting a decent home in Trafford virtually impossible for some. The work that is being done to address the crisis cannot be understated as we seek new and innovative ways to accelerate the charge to provide the homes people want and need.
“No one should be forced out of their hometown because they can’t afford to live there. There is obviously disparity within the borough specifically when it comes to housing that can be addressed with the correct decisions, support and investment. We will strive to deliver the right homes, in the right areas, that ultimately match the needs of our residents.”