News / SIC launches major housing survey
THE RISE in homelessness and the lack of affordable homes in Shetland along with population changes and fuel poverty have led Shetland Islands Council to launch a major consultation on housing.
Wednesday will see the first of seven public meetings to find out what local people think the council’s priorities should be over the next five years for providing homes for people.
The council’s housing department has drawn up a draft housing strategy with the help of Hjaltland Housing Association, NHS Shetland, Citizens Advice Bureau, Shetland Tenants Forum and the local volumtary sector.
The strategy can be found online at http://www.shetland.gov.uk/lhs, where an online survey can also be completed.
To make sure everyone can participate, the council is providing paper surveys through its community offices and the housing department at North Ness, Lerwick.
The strategy report is also available by emailing housing@shetland.gov.uk or phoning 01595 744360 and is available in Braille, on tape, in large print and a variety of languages.
SIC housing spokesman Allison Duncan said: “This is an absolutely crucial process which will determine the direction of housing provision in the isles over the next five years.
“It is an issue that affects everyone in Shetland, whether in private or publicly-provided housing. Everyone needs a roof over their heads, and we need to work out the very best way of accomplishing that.”
Local events will be held throughout the isles, with informal discussions from 4pm to 7pm (except Lerwick, which starts at 4.30pm) followed by a formal presentation and public meeting from 7pm to 8.30pm.
The meetings are at:
Carnegie Hall, Sandwick on Wednesday 27 April
Cullivoe Hall, Yell on Wednesday 4 May
Room 16, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick on Wednesday 11 May
Scalloway Hall on Wednesday 18 May
Brae Hall on Monday 23 May
Germatwatt Centre, Walls on Tuesday 31 May
Symbister Hall, Whalsay on Monday 6 June
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