A consultation has been launched by Central Bedfordshire Council as part of their plans to hear the public’s views on how to improve council housing.
More than 5,000 flats, bungalows and houses in the south of Central Bedfordshire, including around 500 properties in sheltered housing schemes, are owned by the council in Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Houghton Regis.
The council has a duty to look after this housing stock and has recently launched a consultation asking local residents, tenants and other interested parties for their views on our new draft Housing Asset Management Strategy.
The strategy focuses on seven key priority areas, including ensuring our housing stock meets the needs of our tenants now and in the future, the need to replace some housing and the opportunities to build new homes.
It also considers how we will provide suitable accommodation for older and vulnerable people and how we can support the local economy by providing training and opportunities for local business to help deliver works and services.
Speaking after the launch of the consultation, Councillor Carole Hegley, spokesman for social care, health and housing, said: “Making sure we have homes that meet the needs of local people is really important to us, so we need to get this strategy right.
“The opportunity to build new council homes for the first time in many years and at the same time support the local economy must be a good thing for Central Bedfordshire. I’d encourage anyone with an interest to take part in this consultation.”
To have your say go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and complete the short questionnaire online, or pick up a paper copy in your local library.
For more information about the strategy please get in touch with John Holman on 0300 300 5069 or email john.holman@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
The consultation runs until February 28.