Residents in Trafford are to be asked for their views on a new town hall strategy to tackle housing issues and shortages across the borough. 

The council’s executive has approved plans for its  Draft Housing Strategy 2024-2029 to go out to public consultation.

It will focus on continuing to ensure that residents have access to settled, affordable and decent homes.

The strategy is centred around four priorities – to increase the supply of housing and to build more homes; to ensure Trafford residents can access suitable housing and sustain their homes; to build more homes to meet current and future needs and to create ‘neighbourhoods of choice’ to address inequalities. 

 A report to the executive outlined how a national housing crisis compounded by a shortage of social housing and ever-increasing rental and property prices has made it more difficult than ever for people to find decent and affordable homes.  

Council bosses say the strategy, through extensive consultation, is a vehicle to make a difference locally and provides residents, partners, and stakeholders an opportunity to influence the future delivery of housing in our communities.

Meanwhile, the authority will push on with plans to build more new and affordable homes in the borough and create neighbourhoods addressing inequalities. 

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 the council already has coupled with the importance of building what is needed. 

Councillors were told how Trafford has one of the strongest housing markets in Greater Manchester underpinned by higher-than-average levels of home ownership (69 per cent compared to 60 per cent) and significantly higher than average house prices (£361,000 in 2023/24 compared to £242,000 in Greater Manchester).  

Cllr James Wright, executive member for housing and advice, said: “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 home town 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. We will strive to deliver the right homes, in the right areas, that ultimately match the needs of our residents.”