Homelessness is anhidden problem inthe Rye area

Homlessness in Rye is a hidden problem with a number of homeless people sofa surfing.

The issues have become increasingly important in recent years, as economic hard times have left more people struggling to afford their mortgage repayments or monthly rent.

Now, Rother District Council has launched a consultation offering residents the chance to influence which issues are treated as the highest priority in the authority’s housing and homelessness strategy.

These could include helping prevent people losing their home, improving access to private rented accommodation, helping people buy their own homes, increasing the number of affordable homes or tackling fuel poverty.

The council would also like to hear from people who would prefer to buy their own home but can’t afford the deposit, or are considering building their own home.

Cllr Joy Hughes, the council’s cabinet member for housing and older people, said: “The difficult economic climate in recent years has had a knock-on effect which we see evidence of here in Rother.

“When times are hard, it means more people have difficulty paying their bills, struggling to get on the housing ladder and, unfortunately, an increasing number of people losing their homes.

At present, the council focuses on three priorities: preventing homelessness, increasing affordable housing development and improving housing conditions in the private sector.

People taking part in the consultation will be asked to choose which issues should be prioritised in the future.

The consultation runs until mid-October and can be completed online at www.rother.gov.uk/HousingConsultations.