The Strategy covers:

• Fareham Housing's purpose – providing more of the right affordable housing in the right place and supporting our Council housing tenants in with their tenancy
• How we will meet our purpose
• The issues local residents are facing when trying to find housing
• What affordable housing is and the different types
• Helping social housing applicants to find suitable housing
• How the planning system can help with more affordable housing

The Strategy matters because:

• House prices and rents are high locally
• There are limited affordable options
• Demand is increasing
• We want to support our Council tenants in sustaining their tenancies

 

• The Strategy helps the Council understand what homes are needed and how we can support people to find housing that is suitable and affordable

The Strategy is not just for Council tenants, it includes:

• People on the housing waiting list
• People renting privately
• First-time buyers (shared ownership)

• Affordable housing for people who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market
• The main types of affordable housing are:
  • Social rent (lowest cost)
  • Affordable rent (you pay less than market rent, but more than social rent)
  • Shared ownership (part-buy, part-rent)
• Affordable housing is provided by Councils and other Registered providers such as Housing Associations
• To qualify for affordable housing, you need to meet certain requirements.  The requirements include insufficient income to rent or buy a home, have a legal right to reside in the UK and are currently living in an unsuitable property.  The full details are in our Allocations Policy (576 KB) (we also have an Allocations Policy Easy Read (377 KB)). 

• There are different types of housing need in Fareham
• Some people need social housing because their current home is unsuitable or unaffordable. Some people need temporary accommodation because they are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Other people would like to buy a home but cannot afford to buy on the open market

• The Strategy does not mean that everyone will get a home straight away
• There are more people needing affordable housing than there are homes available. The Strategy helps the Council plan, make better decisions and use resources carefully. It also helps us explain what we are doing and how we will improve over time

If you are looking for more information or advice you can contact the Council on 01329 236100, email housing@fareham.gov.uk or visit us at the Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ.

Advice on homelessness and housing is also on our website.

You can find out more information on Shared Ownership by visiting our website or emailing housingstrategy@fareham.gov.uk.

Priority 1: To provide high-quality homes, in the right place for those that need them.

This means that we will:

• Build new homes and improve existing ones
• Make sure our housing rents are affordable
• Prevent homelessness
• Make sure we are meeting all legislation for our Council owned housing

Priority 2: Strengthen the environmental, social, and economic wellbeing of households in safe and vibrant neighbourhoods.

We are working to ensure our tenants live in homes where they feel secure and supported. We want to make sure:

• We understand what really matters, by talking to our tenants and getting their feedback
• Rents are truly affordable
• Improve energy efficiency to help keep energy costs low
• Support tenants in a way that suits their individual needs

Priority 3: Support individual's housing choices and make the route into affordable housing clear and simple.

We want our tenants to understand their housing choices. To do this we will:

• Make it easier to understand the different housing options
• Make it easier for people to know how to apply for housing

The actions in the Strategy mean that over time residents will see:

• More affordable housing options
• Better quality Council owned homes
• Clearer information and support

• The Affordable Housing Strategy does not sit on its own. It forms part of a wider set of Council plans and housing policies.
• At the highest level, it supports Fareham Borough Council's Corporate Strategy, particularly the priority to Provide Housing Choices. This means helping residents access suitable, affordable housing and supporting communities across the borough.
• The Strategy also works alongside other housing documents (which can be found on our Housing Strategies webpage).