Devon 'housing commission' created to tackle growing crisis
Experts and politicians are coming together to see what changes can be made
Last updated 12th Jul 2023
Experts, councillors and MPs are joining together to try and tackle Devon's growing housing crisis by creating a new 'Housing Commission'.
The commission is being established by the Devon Housing Task Force, a partnership between the eleven local authorities across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay – and supported by the University of Exeter.
It will develop recommendations to 'start to address the broken housing markets across Devon' and people are encouraged to get involved
The commission says it aims to show 'the importance of decent housing to Devon’s prosperity, economic growth and social mobility'.
It is chaired by Lord Richard Best, a widely experienced expert in housing issues, and will be managed by Matthew Dodd from the University of Exeter.
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Those on the Devon Housing Commission will take evidence from communities across Devon over the next year.
Lord Best said: “By bringing together those with a major role across the county the commission will be a powerful voice for the importance of good quality housing for health and the economy.
“The commission will allow us to fully understand the origins of current pressures and look for innovative solutions from collective local action or significant policy change.”
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Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council and Chair of the Devon Housing Task Force said: “The Devon Housing Commission represents a real opportunity to bring together people and expertise from across the county and beyond to make a positive change to tackling the housing crisis."
"Issues likely to be examined by the Commission include housing supply, homelessness, housing affordability, how to create attractive communities, integrating housing with health and care, the impact of short-term letting, holiday accommodation, student housing and second homes.
"The commission will also be looking at how to deliver affordable housing in our rural communities while protecting the environment."