EAST Renfrewshire Council is asking locals to complete a survey to help them understand the housing circumstances and needs of residents.

During the development of the local authority's new Local Housing Strategy, the availability of, and access to, affordable housing in East Renfrewshire was identified as a concern, particularly given the projected increase in the older population, increasing proportion of single-person households and requirement for greater movement throughout the local housing market.

The consultation is therefore part of a bid to explore whether affordable housing options like mid-market rent (MMR) could help meet local housing need.

MMR homes are designed to assist those who are on low to modest incomes, struggling to afford private renting or home ownership and for people who want an alternative housing option.

The rent levels are set between social and private rent amounts.

As part of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, local authorities are required to identify proposed strategic affordable housing projects across all tenures; MMR housing is one of these considerations and this consultation will provide key information on what the current and future need is as well as the key issues, challenges and opportunities for the future of housing requirements in East Renfrewshire.

Councillor Danny Devlin, the local authority’s housing and environment convener, told the Barrhead News: “We know that East Renfrewshire continues to be an extremely popular place to live and we’re committed to providing affordable housing options to people in a variety of circumstances.

“Mid-market rent homes are a possible solution for those who perhaps don’t meet the criteria for council housing, but struggle to afford private rent or mortgages.

“It’s really important that we gather the views from residents on this matter, so I’d encourage anyone wishing to have their say to visit our online survey.”

To fill out the online survey click here. 

There is also the opportunity to participate in more in-depth telephone interviews and attend focus groups.

Those wishing to be involved are asked to email housingserviceimprovement@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.