New Wolverhampton housing strategy focused around four priorities is approved

The strategy has been approved by the council’s Cabinet and builds on the 2019-2024 strategy by aligning the objectives of its housing service to emerging national and local priorities.

A collaborative approach has informed the development of the strategy, including pre-consultation earlier this year from January 10 to February 9, followed by final public consultation from July 8 to September 1.

The new strategy focuses around four priorities of right homes, in the right places, making the best use of assets and ensuring high standards across all areas of council housing, working in partnership to drive up the standard and quality of the private rented sector and safe, secure, and sustainable housing that supports good health and independence.

As part of the strategy, the council’s housing development team has been restructured and appropriately resourced to establish a housing development pipeline and access to Homes England and West Midlands Combined Authority funding. 

Through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the council will be investing more than £100 million over the next five years to deliver around 400 new homes.

Effective collaboration with public and private sector partners means major housing schemes are also on site or in the pipeline, generating thousands of homes.

The Royal Quarter has seen the transformation of the historic Grade-II listed former Royal Hospital building into affordable homes, creating a gateway to the city and Wavensmere Homes is set to start on site imminently to deliver 500 sustainable new homes, commercial and public open space at Canalside South.

Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved to create a better housing offer and service for people living in our city.

“Now we must build on that, and it is important we have robust delivery plans to accelerate housing development that will support inclusive economic growth and focus on people and our plans to support our residents and create good homes in well-connected neighbourhoods.

“This new strategy now gives us the platform to establish a solid delivery plan that meets our commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in Wolverhampton."