Almost half of Knowsley residents are looking to move into smaller homes, according to a council report.
The report, which was discussed at a meeting of Knowsley Council’s cabinet this afternoon (January 18) focused on a review of the borough’s housing strategy.
Among the issues raised was the huge increase in single person homelessness in the borough over the last three years – with a 29% increase.
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The report, produced by the head of housing and property, added: “Financial pressures upon residents resulting from the cost of living crisis meant that the demand for temporary accommodation was highly likely to continue to increase” meaning the council will need to explore how to expand its temporary accommodation to meet the demand.
Following a housing needs assessment carried out recently, the report said that one of the key issues for Knowsley residents was ‘right sizing’ with many looking to find smaller properties better suited to their needs.
According to the report, 43% of households in the borough are looking to downsize.
Many people looking for smaller homes are from the older generation, with the council looking at how a ‘right size’ strategy could be implemented to free up larger homes for the nearly 24% of people in the borough looking for a bigger property.
The report said the council was also looking at how retrofit schemes could be used to help households reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.
Discussing the report at a cabinet meeting held at Huyton Municipal buildings, Cllr Allan Flute said there were 11 recommendations following a review carried out by the inclusive growth and skills scrutiny committee which will inform a new housing strategy for the borough.
These include scoping new temporary accommodation for people affected by homelessness, expanding the Our House scheme for dispersed temporary accommodation, further developing preventative work to provide interventions to people at risk of homelessness.
The recommendations, agreed by cabinet at the meeting, also included continuing to bid for energy maximisation and retrofit grants, exploring the introduction of a ‘right sizing’ scheme and encouraging home swaps, as well as looking at ways to diversify the housing stock and increase the number of one and two bedroom homes in the borough.
Cabinet member for housing a generation Cllr Tony Brennan said he was “looking forward ” to seeing the recommendations implemented in a new housing strategy for the borough.
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