Major housing needs survey for Frome

A major town-wide survey about housing needs is about to take place in Frome. 

The ‘Housing Needs Survey’ aims to provide local authorities, housing organisations and campaign groups with an accurate picture of the situation in the town.

The survey has been funded by Fair Housing for Frome, Frome Area Community Land Trust, Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council.

A spokesperson said, “Frome has become an expensive place to live in, property prices continue to rise and renting in the private sector has become more costly over the last few years. The availability of rental property has become a bigger issue, recently driven by a combination of more people needing to rent rather than buy, landlords selling up to cash in on property price increases and beat the stamp duty tax deadline or needing to raise funds due to loss of income during the pandemic.

“Over the last year, Fair Housing for Frome has discussed conducting a comprehensive full housing needs survey for Frome. We all know there are some rough sleepers in the town and there are numerous organisations who are dedicated to helping those individuals, however there are many of all ages who would like to either own their own home or simply move to accommodation which is more suitable for them. 

“The town also has what is called a ‘Hidden Homeless’ situation with mostly younger people sofa surfing and staying with friends and families, having been unable to find somewhere to live. 

“We feel that by fully understanding the needs of residents in the town we can lobby and push planners and developers alike to provide the type of housing that is needed. Fair Housing for Frome are finalising a short questionnaire which should identify the number and demographics of those that need housing, as well as older people who want to ‘down size’.

“We also hope to convince more people in need of social housing to register with Homefinder Somerset as this is the best way for the local authority to identify what issues exist going forward and what the town needs. The main part of the survey will be online and it will be open for three weeks from 7th June. 

“As the lockdown situation eases, Fair Housing for Frome are also planning to be visible in the town centre and other strategic places during this period, giving those who do not have access to the internet the opportunity to fill the survey in with one of our volunteers or via a paper copy. 

“It’s vital we hear from as many people as possible so we are asking everyone to complete the survey and if you know someone you think may have missed it, please send it to them.

“The survey itself has been produced by Smart Communities, a professional survey company based in Somerset. Frome Town Council, Frome Area Community Land Trust and Mendip District Council are also supporting this project and as such it will carry their official accreditation, enabling both town and district councils to have clear and qualified conversations with housing developers.

“Taking part in this survey will help make a real difference to Frome, we ur-gently need to address the housing situation and this is a serious opportunity to help make a difference. 

“Leaflets reminding residents to get involved will be going out in the next edition of the Frome Times and online links to the website will be featured throughout social media. 

“If you have any questions about the survey please get in touch by emailing us on info@fairhousingforfrome.org.uk or call our development worker Steve Tanner on 01373 800360.”