Buckinghamshire Council is inviting residents, businesses and organisations to share their views on its draft Housing Strategy for 2024-2029. The strategy sets out the council’s vision, priorities and actions to meet the current and future housing needs and challenges in the county.

The Housing Strategy has been developed with the input and support of a wide range of partners, including housing associations, developers, community groups and other public sector organisations.

To achieve the strategy, the council has created three draft priorities:

• responding to the needs of Buckinghamshire’s diverse population
• better homes: good quality, sustainable and matched to need
• new homes: affordable, accessible and appropriate

Each priority includes:

• what the council will do to achieve it
• the challenges Buckinghamshire faces
• actions the council is taking now
• proposed actions up to 2029

The consultation is open until midnight on Monday 18 December 2023 and can be accessed online or by requesting a paper copy from the council. The feedback received will help shape the final version of the strategy, which will be published in 2024.

Mark Winn, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Services, said:

“We all know Buckinghamshire is a wonderful county in which to live. It is vital for the growth of our economy and the welfare of our residents that everyone in Buckinghamshire has access to a safe, secure and suitable home that meets their needs and aspirations. Our draft Housing Strategy sets out how we plan to achieve this over the next five years, working with our partners and local communities.

“The strategy also recognises the opportunities to improve the quality and sustainability of existing homes, to enable new affordable housing development for those in housing need and to support residents to live independently and live well in their homes.

“This is our first countywide Housing Strategy and we want to hear from as many people as possible. So please take part in the consultation and let us know what you think.”

You can have your say on the draft Housing Strategy at Your Voice Bucks.