Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee will be asked tomorrow to approve the Local Housing Strategy 2012-17.

The strategy will focus on the issues facing the council over the next five years.

Councillors will also be considering a review of the way housing is allocated to potential tenants on its waiting list.

The strategy deals with affordable housing, homelessness, fuel poverty, private sector housing and housing for older people or those with a disability.

It will also address issues such as minority ethnic communities, repairs and improvements to council housing, housing management and tenant participation.

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A recent consultation gave residents the opportunity to put forward their views on the strategy and on other housing issues in the area.

The report presented to councillors will include residents’ feedback and questions on the provision of affordable housing and for first time buyers, as these were considered the most important issues raised.

Residents also wanted support for older and younger tenants, people with learning or physical disabilities and a specific strategy regarding welfare reforms.

Members of the committee will receive a separate report on the issues.

Some changes were approved last year but have not yet been fully implemented. These included combining areas to create larger letting spaces and reducing the minimum number of areas applicants have to select from five to two.

The proposals will now be part of the consultation and, following agreement from the council, will go before the six area committees ahead of final approval in February 2013.

(IT/GK)