Last chance to have your say on Devon’s housing crisis

People can have their say on Devon’s homes crisis and let experts and politicians know their views on the county’s broken housing markets.

Time is running out for people to respond to a survey from the Devon Housing Commission – which has been established by the Devon Housing Task Force and is a partnership between the eleven local authorities across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. The survey will close on 30^th April 2024 in advance of the Commission reporting its findings.

The Commission, which is supported by the University of Exeter, brings together experts, councillors and parliamentarians from across Devon to form a powerful voice to tackle the county’s housing crisis.

Commissioners are developing recommendations to address issues such as a lack of housing supply, homelessness, housing affordability and the impact of short-term letting and second homes.

The Commission will show the importance of decent housing to Devon’s prosperity, economic growth and social mobility. It is chaired by Lord Richard Best, a widely experienced expert in housing issues, and managed by Matthew Dodd from the University of Exeter.

The Commissioners are Charles Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, Cllr John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council, Karime Hassan, former Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, Professor Anna Mountford Zimdars, Director of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Social Mobility, Keith Miller, Deputy Chair of Cavanna Homes, Judy Pearce, former Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Chris Penberthy, Housing Lead of Plymouth City Council, North Devon MP Selaine Saxby, Jaqueline Starr, Chair of LiveWest Housing Association, Cllr Alan Tyerman from Torbay Council and Alison Ward, Director of Middlemarch Community Led Housing.

Local authorities involved are: Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council, South Hams District Council, Plymouth City Council, North Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council and Teignbridge District Council, West Devon Borough Council, Torridge District Council and Torbay Council.

Lord Best said: “We are working to ensure the Commission is a powerful voice for the importance of good quality housing for health and the economy. It’s extremely important we hear from as many people in Devon as possible so we can understand the origins of current pressures and look for innovative solutions. I encourage people to take a short period of time to respond to our survey.”

The Commission has been funded by the eleven local authorities and University of Exeter. Commissioners have been working with experts and others locally and regionally, including councils, developers, charities, health partners, and many others.