Uist residents are being urged to complete the Housing Needs Survey which they should have received in the post during the last fortnight. Results will provide important information for housing bodies working to determine future locations and types of housing.
Stòras Uibhist, Hebridean Housing Partnership, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, North Uist Development Company and Taighean Innse Gall are working together on the survey as a joint initiative.
Although a great response has been received already from local residents, more people are being urged to complete the survey before the 11th August deadline. All those who participate – whether they are home owners, HHP tenants or private tenants – are able to enter a prize draw for a hamper worth £100.
“Housing has been a priority for us since our formation,” said Kirsty MacCormick, Development Manager for Stòras Uibhist.
“I’m delighted that we are now carrying out this important piece of work, and I urge everyone to participate. When they are collated, the community’s views will inform future housing development and planning throughout Uist. I am also very grateful to our partners whose contribution is helping to make this fully an island-wide analysis of housing need.”
Impetus for the survey came from an agreement amongst participating organisations that there is a requirement to establish what the housing needs are in Uist. What type of housing is required? Where is it required? What tenure should it be? What are the key factors that influence people’s choice of housing? Which are the areas where there are peaks in demand – and why? The aim of this survey is to collate as much information as possible on these issues.
Put together by the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, the survey can also be completed online at: http://hscht.polldaddy.com/s/uist-housing-needs-survey. A link can also be found on the homepage of the Stòras Uibhist website. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.
