Housing Needs Surveys

Housing Need

During 1999 Fordham Research carried out a Housing Needs Survey (HNS) for North Norfolk District Council. The report included detailed assessments of the levels of housing need and the need for new affordable housing together with commentary on the affordable housing options to meet identified need. An executive summary was also produced.

In 2002/3 a review was carried out by Fordham Reseach to update the estimate of housing need in the context of changes that have occurred since the time of the first survey. The main changes are:

1. The publication in July 2000 of the ODPM Guide on Housing Needs assessments

2. Changes in market prices/rents and income levels which have occurred since the HNS

Changes since 1999

The 2002 review of the housing needs situation suggests that around 509 additional affordable units would be required per year if all affordable needs are to be met. This compares with an estimate from the 1999 survey of around 389 per annum. The difference between the figures calculated now compared with 1999 are likely to relate to changes in methodology due to a more accurate following of government guidance, significant changes in property prices in the area relative to income levels and changes in the supply of affordable housing.

Why Carry out A Survey?

The reasons for carrying out Housing Needs Surveys are well documented in ODPM advice. The following is taken from Local Housing Needs Assessment: A Guide to Good Practice - (ODPM Housing Research Summary Number 117, 2000):-

".Every local authority has a responsibility to produce a housing strategy based on up-to-date assessments of aggregate housing needs in their area. These strategies are reflected in authorities' annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP) submissions to central government, and an assessment of their quality contributes to ODPM decisions on HIP resource allocation. Local housing needs assessment also plays a crucial role in underpinning land-use policies relating to affordable housing, a policy area increasingly emphasised by central government. In addition, information on local needs is required to guide new provision investment (mainly involving RSL's) and to inform local authority policies on stock conversion, demolition and transfer."

This information is used to inform our Housing Strategy and our Planning policies.