Homeowners, tenants and landlords are being urged to spare some time to give their views on Council plans to boost the standards of the homes they own or rent.
Their responses will be used to inform and develop the Private Sector Renewal Housing Policy which sets out the grants, loans and other initiatives that will be available to people who live in private housing.
The draft document also outlines the actions the Council want to take, to help reduce hazards within homes, and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable residents in the city.
In Derby, about 80% of the housing stock is privately owned and the most recent survey, into the state of private housing in the city, was completed in 2019. Its conclusions reflected the picture in many other larger urban areas across the UK, in finding that these are in neighbourhoods with high concentrations of very poor standard private housing. These are usually occupied by the most economically deprived, socially excluded and vulnerable residents.
Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing, said:
It is vital we hear from you, as it helps us create policies that promote, encourage and, where necessary, enforce the improvement and better use of existing private sector housing in Derby. The Housing Renewal Policy is a key part of delivering our vision for better housing in Derby and to achieving better outcomes for residents living in the most substandard or unsuitable properties.
The draft Housing Renewal Policy document is available to read on the Council website
The consultation is open to everyone who lives, works or studies here, and to people and organisations who live outside of the city but are interested in private sector housing in Derby and want to take part.
You can have your say by completing the online survey or requesting a paper version of the questionnaire. A copy can be obtained by contacting the team on 01332 640000 or email them at yourcityyoursay@derby.gov.uk
The closing date for the consultation is 19 November.