Liverpool’s proposed housing strategy is part of a £1bn housing programme, which also includes major retrofitting works across properties in the city
Liverpool City Council (LCC) has set out a draft housing strategy, which will be presented to the council’s cabinet tomorrow (4 June 2024) as part of an eight week public consultation.
In the last five years, only 10,700 homes have been built in Liverpool- with a mere 11% of these classed as affordable. The LCC aims to double that figure under its draft housing strategy.
Key points of the plans include:
- Construction partners will be required to build at least 8,000 new homes by 2027, with 20% being affordable
- Rolling out a major retrofitting programme, after it was found that 18% of Liverpudlian households are living in fuel poverty, with a focus on insulation and heating sustainability
- Reducing the carbon footprint of the city’s housing stock, which currently accounts for 33% of Liverpool’s carbon emissions
- Addressing the 20% of properties(around 44,000) in the city that do not meet the definition of “decent homes”
The news comes shortly after the Council announced it was to carry out a review of empty homes in the city to support a drive to tackle a shortfall in housing, by writing to landlords of more than 8,000 empty properties.
Addressing the housing emergencies Liverpool faces
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool council, said: “Housing is the foundation for building a better quality of life, enabling residents to access the services they need to thrive.
“Good quality, suitable housing is also a major contributor to the successful economic future of the city and it helps the council better address the needs of its most vulnerable residents.
“This draft strategy outlines our ambitions for improving the city’s housing offer and addressing the housing emergencies that are emerging within Liverpool and nationwide.
“It is a six-year strategy but one which also takes a longer view, seeking to support the housing needs of current and future residents, to progress towards net zero, support the competitiveness and attractiveness of Liverpool and to create the conditions to unlock future opportunities across the economy, health, education, and transport.
“Achieving these ambitions will be reliant on the council securing strong support from residents and stakeholders for the vision set out in this strategy. Delivering the plan will also require intelligent collaboration with our partners, including the combined authority, government and its agencies, developers, investors and housing providers.”
The final verdict on the Liverpool Housing Strategy is expected in Autumn 2024.
