The majority of respondents agree with the proposed outcomes of the Local Housing Strategy.
Supply and Place making
There is strong demand for affordable housing for sale and social rented housing.
The main restrictions on people moving are a lack of properties and affordability of properties in areas they would like to move to
The majority of respondents feel that the Council and its development partners should concentrate on developing new affordable homes in areas of highest demand and regeneration areas.
Many respondents feel that existing brownfield sites should be developed out first.
In rural areas, there is a shortage of affordable housing for younger people.
Energy Efficiency
A fifth of respondents find their energy costs either unaffordable or very unaffordable.
Just over half of all respondents have no energy efficiency measures installed in their home.
Homelessness
Better support, awareness and training for staff is needed to help them support homeless people with mental health issues.
Due to the high level of rent costs in Stirling, it is very difficult for those on welfare benefits to access accommodation in the private rented sector.
Particular needs
Of those respondents who have someone in their household with a disability/long term health condition – 37% said that their current accommodation was not suitable for their needs.
The majority of respondents would prefer to move to either sheltered housing or amenity housing when they become older and are no longer able to remain in their own home.
Private Rented Sector
Many landlords feel that all of the recent tax and regulatory changes in the PRS sector have made the sector less appealing for investment, which will result in a reduction of properties to rent. Tenant responses also highlight a lack of choice in the sector with a general shortage of properties in particular areas.
Several landlords would like to see grant funding made available to assist with funding energy efficiency improvements for their properties.
The most common issue for tenants is getting repairs completed in a timely manner, particularly where letting agents are involved.
Several tenants have had instances of having to move multiple times due to landlords selling the property, which has an impact on stability for families living in the sector.