Last chance to help shape the future of housing in Frome

THE Frome Housing Needs Survey is now in its final week and campaigning group Fair Housing for Frome are hoping that even more residents will go online and complete the survey before the deadline. 

A spokesperson for the group reports, “News about the need for more social housing, homelessness, hidden homelessness and soaring rental prices have pretty much dominated the local news for some months now.  

“As Frome gets back on its feet following more than a year of lockdowns, the situation has become even more urgent. The housing market is booming, with prices up on a monthly basis and this is reflected in the private rental sector.  

“As for the tenants, many have seen incomes reduced and bills harder to pay, it’s a perfect storm. This situation isn’t new, it has been happening in towns like Frome for some years and it is getting worse.  

“The more popular the town, the harder it is for many to live here. Often, those struggling will be the long-term residents, those who have lived here all of their lives who see the shift in the town’s affluence leaving them behind. Young people trying to start lives for themselves are also particularly affected. 

 “The Housing Needs Survey is crucial if we are to gather the latest information on the housing situation in our town. The survey has been coordinated by Frome Town Council, Mendip District Council, Frome Area Community Land Trust and Fair Housing for Frome. The results and findings will enable those involved in planning and dealing with developers to have the real picture when it comes to discussing the type of homes we need built, rather than just accepting any style of home that developers decide to bring to the town.  

“Do we need more smaller one-bedroom properties or starter style homes for young people? Do we need flats or large family homes and most importantly, how can we house those stuck on the housing waiting list who can’t get on the property ladder? 

“In the first week of the survey, we heard from residents who feel they don’t have a housing need, but in conversation, they say they have adult sons and daughters who are still living at home, or who had to move to neighbouring towns.  

“We also need to hear from people who want to downsize from a property that’s become too big for them, as well as those Frome residents who have simply been forced to move away by high property and rental prices. We need to hear from as many people as possible in order to build a picture. 

 “Please get involved, take part in the Housing Needs Survey and help shape the future of housing in Frome – follow this link to the survey online http://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FromeHNS  or call 01373 800360 for a paper copy. The survey runs until Monday 28th June, so there is limited time to take part. It is fairly short and there’s also a free prize draw for those who complete it.”