HOUSEHOLDS in Test Valley are to be asked to take part in an important study on the housing needs of their area.

Test Valley Borough Council has recently commissioned the study to establish the needs and aspirations of local people.

It will assist in shaping the council’s future housing strategy, provide evidence to support policies in the borough local plan review and form an important contribution to the bid for central government funding.

Postal questionnaires are to be sent to more than 14,000 randomly-selected households throughout the borough. They will include homeowners, people who rent privately, and tenants of housing associations.

It is designed to build up a picture of both current and future housing needs for the Test Valley area by asking households questions about their property, the people who live in it and any short-term or long-term housing needs. The survey is confidential and no name or address is requested, although the forms are coded to identify the area of residency.

Portfolio holder for social wellbeing, Mrs Marion Kerley, is very keen that a large number of people respond to the study by completing and returning a questionnaire should they receive one.

Mrs Kerley said: “I would urge local people to contribute to this important study. Test Valley is a very diverse area and we need as much information as possible to reflect all people’s needs.

“What people have to say is extremely relevant and will assist the council greatly as it shapes its housing strategy and planning policy over the coming years.”

Questionnaires must be returned by 25 September.