The views of residents will help shape a new Local Housing Strategy (LHS) for 2022-27. The consultation is now open online at the council’s Consultation Hub.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 places a legal requirement on local authorities to produce a LHS which should be kept under regular review. It sets out Perth & Kinross Council’s priorities and plans for the delivery of housing and related services.

The LHS for 2016-21 is coming to an end, so an updated strategy is being put together for the next five years.

The council said it has achieved some notable success under the current LHS having delivered 963 affordable homes over the last five years with its partners. This is an average of 193 affordable homes per year - exceeding its target of 150.

Housing completions across the affordable and private sectors were also the highest recorded since 2008, meaning the five-year housing target by 2021 was reached a year earlier than anticipated. A total of 246 new homes were added to the council’s stock through new build, buying back ex-council homes and bringing empty properties back into use as housing.

To ensure the new Local Housing Strategy can continue this success, and to make sure it also reflects the views of local communities, the council is asking residents to share their opinions on the housing issues that matter most in their community. The results gathered will help the council to better understand the main housing challenges faced by people, as well as their preferred solutions to overcome these challenges.

Councillor Bob Brawn, convener of housing and communities, explained: “To update the new strategy Perth & Kinross Council and partners must set a new vision for homes and communities, and set out priorities for action to tackle the main housing issues locally.

“We want to understand from local residents and communities which housing issues are of most concern and how they think we should focus our time, investment and services to address these issues.

“We want to hear from residents across Perth & Kinross, of all ages and living in all types of housing. This is a real opportunity for local people to have a voice in shaping this important plan for housing services and investment. We are very keen to hear your views and I would encourage everyone to take part in the short survey.”

The survey will run until December 31st 2021. All responses will be completely confidential and anonymous. Residents who would prefer to complete the consultation by telephone or receive a printed copy can request this by calling 01738 476174 or emailing HKettles@pkc.gov.uk