Why are housing needs surveys required when there is already a housing register?

Council owned rural rented housing stock has reduced significantly over the last 30 years. Many of our rural homes were sold through the Right to Buy scheme.

Most of our homes are family homes that are now occupied by older residents who wish to remain in the villages but there isn't enough suitable smaller housing for them to move into. These people will not register on our list if they know there is nothing suitable for them in the village.

Others who live in rural areas believe that affordable housing will never be built in rural areas so do not join the housing register.

If the need was solely judged by the register, it would not identify everyone who has a need for certain types of housing. Housing needs surveys almost always turn up people who are in need, but have not joined the register.

A housing needs survey can also help in consulting with the parish community and may help in land coming forward.