Back

Budget 2007-8

MAJOR HOUSING REVIEW TO TACKLE HOMELESSNESS

Council housing managers have been working with local residents and Housing Organisations to draw up a wide ranging Housing Strategy. The strategy aims to give fresh hope to Islanders that they will one day be able to move in to a home of their own.

High house prices and the relatively low average wages on the Island mean that buying a home on the Isle of Wight can be beyond the reach of some families. A survey conducted by the National Housing Federation showed that the average house price to income ratio on the Isle of Wight is more than 10:1.

The first stage of the project will see housing managers finalise the findings of two comprehensive studies into housing issues on the Island; the Housing Market Assessment and the Housing Needs survey. These two key studies will provide information upon which the Council can draw up its plans for improving things in the future.

They will also be talking with Island based housing associations and property developers to come up with a plan to provide more low cost homes as well as homes for rent. The strategy will set out the size of the issue which the council needs to work with its partners to overcome and set out a clear range of polices and targets designed to deliver solutions