Making sure residents have access to settled, affordable, and decent homes has always been a top priority for Trafford Labour.

In 2018, the council developed a five-year Housing Strategy to identify areas of priority so that new homes fit the needs of current and future residents.

However, that document has now expired, and a new housing development plan is set for public consultation later this month. The refreshed strategy was tabled during a meeting of the Executive yesterday (Monday).

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 document states that the national housing crisis – compounded by a shortage of social housing and ever-increasing rental and property prices – has made it extremely difficult for people to find decent and affordable homes.

This is evidenced by the record levels of homelessness in England identified by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in 2023.

“While our last Housing Strategy has gone some way to shield Trafford residents from these national challenges by increasing the supply of properties in the borough including both social and student housing, more must be done,” the report reads.

“Through extensive consultation, the council has gained an understanding of what is required to ensure all residents have access to suitable, affordable, futureproof homes, with sound infrastructure that allows neighbourhoods to thrive.”

In addition, the results of a previous consultation revealed that what concerned residents and stakeholders most was the lack of affordable and social properties, undersupply of homes for the elderly, and poor property standards.

With this in mind, the council will now focus on four key priorities:

1. Increase the supply of housing and build more affordable homes.
2. Ensure residents can access suitable housing and sustain their homes.
3. Ensure homes meet current and future needs.
4. Create neighbourhoods of choice that address inequalities.

Speaking to the document prior to the meeting, Cllr James Wright, Executive Member for Housing and Advice, said that he fully supported the aims of the new strategy and hoped it would alleviate some pressure on the housing market.

He added: “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.

“The four key priorities clearly display our drive to steer the local housing market in such a way that will deliver the right homes, in the right areas, that ultimately match the needs of our residents.”