Scottish Borders Council is to draw up a new local housing strategy for the next five years.

The move comes after it has become increasingly difficult dealing with housing demand in the region due to the economic downturn and 50% of households struggling to afford house prices.

The council is inviting communities to contribute their ideas during the consultation period.

Key issues to be tackled are how to increase the supply of affordable housing, supporting the needs of the increasing numbers of vulnerable people, improving existing housing conditions and tackling and preventing homelessness.

Figures show there is a need for more housing in the region but with pressure from the Edinburgh market forcing up prices in the region a two tier housing market has emerged - one for 'local' households and one for those moving into the area.

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SBC's housing strategy manager Gerry Begg said in his recent draft housing strategy that in order to deliver these supply targets, the major task for this strategy will be to continue partnership, working to overcome constraints, to find new ways to resource new housing supply, and to make best use of the scarce resources, especially existing housing stock.

Mr Begg commented: "The council and its partners have a key role in removing barriers to supply. These include funding, land supply, water and sewage constraints, public utilities (physical/infrastructure capacity, approval processes) and flood risk, infrastructure constraints including electricity supply, schools capacity and health facilities."

Amongst the ongoing work is attempts to secure agreements with SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and Scottish Water on investment needed; partnering up with the house building industry to overcome challenges and ensure information and resources are in place to meet future challenges; regular identification of land opportunities; securing land; enabling the development of affordable housing through the use of the SBC Affordable Housing Budget and other means.

(JG/BMcC)