Woking Borough Council
Civic OfficesGloucester SquareWokingSurreyGU21 6YL
Telephone: 01483 755855
Housing Strategy Consultation
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved in the Housing Strategy consultation by making their views known on a variety of housing issues.
The consultation, which took place in November and December 2010, was broad and far reaching, involving key stakeholders, local organisations and over 1,300 residents. The consultation process began with an Equalities Impact Assessment of the draft Strategy, which highlighted specific areas that required further information. Therefore, as well as a large scale residents' survey, consultation also included specific target groups and in depth interviews, designed to help close the knowledge gaps identified.
The reports below summarise the findings from each strand of consultation. Feedback is currently being used directly in the development of the Borough's draft Housing Strategy which will be reported to the Council's Executive in June 2011. A final version will be available in July 2011 on the Council's website.
A glossary of terms to accompany the reports is available.
Residents' Survey
This report summarises the findings the Housing Strategy residents' survey, which was returned by 1136 people between October and November 2011. This represents an excellent return rate of 31% and we would like to thank everyone who took part in this valuable survey. Results include findings about people's current housing needs and issues, future housing concerns, awareness of housing services and comments on future housing priorities in the Borough.
Target Groups
This report summarises the findings of Housing Strategy consultation with specific target groups including young people, older people, carers, people with disabilities, people with mental health problems and Council tenant representatives. Consultation involved questionnaires as well as in-depth interviews and facilitated group discussions. Findings highlight key issues experienced by the target group and suggestions for future housing improvements.
Organisations
This report summarises the findings of Housing Strategy consultation with local organisations and key stakeholders including Housing Associations, charities, property developers, lettings agents, hostels and Surrey County Council services. Consultation involved questionnaires as well as in-depth interviews and facilitated group discussions. Findings highlight key issues experienced by the organisation and their clients along with suggestions of how to improve housing services in the future.
Internal
As well as extensive consultation with external organisations, the Housing Strategy has also been subject to internal consultation across the Council to ensure that it has developed in line with the Council's wider objectives and priorities. This has included consultation with colleagues from Planning, Housing Benefit and Asset Management. In particular the Housing Strategy has been developed in tandem with the Council's Core Strategy to ensure consistency.
Housing Matters Event
An event was held on 8 February 2011 to feedback consultation results and discuss solutions to some of the housing issues that have been highlighted. The event was attended by over 40 representatives from a range of organisations, as well as staff from across the Council including Housing Services, Planning Services and Housing Benefit.
The event began with a talk from Lawrence Dey, Housing Services Manager, on the future opportunities and challenges of Housing, followed by a presentation by Ernest Amoako, Planning Policy Manager, on the Borough's Local Development Framework. Presentations were then followed by six discussion groups, summarised in these notes, around improving communication, information sharing and partnership work in order to deliver the Housing Strategy objectives.