Residents aged 55 and over are being asked about their housing and support needs in a new survey so the council can better plan for the future.
The number of people aged 55 and over in Southend-on-Sea is expected to increase by 26% by 2040. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council wants to understand the needs of the growing older population to ensure future housing plans are designed with residents’ needs in mind.
Whether participants would prefer to move or remain living in their existing home, the consultation asks about the housing and support aspirations of residents aged 55 and over, plus any barriers to moving from their current residence.
The survey is now live on the Your Say Southend website until 16 January 2022. Those who take part can also choose to be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 shopping vouchers.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council and cabinet member for economic recovery and regeneration, said: “This is a great opportunity for older residents to tell the council about what is important to them when it comes to housing. We invite as many residents as possible to provide their input, to help us understand what is needed from housing and inform plans that centralise those needs. Please fill out the survey and spread the word, so that we can understand the most accurate reflection of the public’s needs.”
The survey is also designed to raise awareness of the variety of different housing options that could be provided to older residents, from mainstream independent housing to more specialist housing options. Definitions of the variety of different housing options are provided within the survey.
Alongside the survey, the consultation will also be undertaking some focus groups and interviews. Southend-On-Sea Borough Council aims to use the feedback from the survey and qualitative research to potentially influence future housing policies and plans. Following the closing date, the survey results will be posted on Your Say Southend, allowing residents to view and understand the data and results even if they did not participate in the survey.
You can find the survey at Your Say Southend: Housing in later life consultation 2021
If you require a paper copy of the questionnaire, any assistance with filling in this questionnaire, or an alternative format, please contact our partners in this project: research@housinglin.org.uk