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Listening to Liverpool’s residents
How Liverpool City Council shaped its first Housing Strategy in more than a decade
STRATEGY
James McHugh
Senior Consultant, Campbell Tickell
James McHugh
Senior Consultant, Campbell Tickell
Issue 75 | December 2024
Liverpool is setting a new direction for the city’s housing which aims to deliver major improvements to its residents’ health, wellbeing and prosperity.
Liverpool is a unique city with a worldwide reputation and specific housing challenges, but there are some themes which are likely to be common across any city or major town in the UK.
Throughout this summer, Campbell Tickell worked with the council to run an extensive consultation to help shape the city’s first Housing Strategy in more than a decade, one which actively sought input from residents, stakeholders, and community groups, particularly those who are typically underrepresented.
A city-wide conversation
The consultation engaged more than 1,000 residents through various channels, including an online survey, targeted focus groups, and community outreach.
Looking at the city’s demographics and building on local insights, focus groups were co-facilitated with partners covering diverse communities, including young people, care leavers, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ communities, and Black and Minority Ethnic residents. This comprehensive approach ensured that Liverpool’s housing strategy reflects the needs of all its residents.
Turning vision into reality
There was strong consensus around the strategy’s vision (‘For Liverpool’s citizens to live in thriving communities with safe, sustainable, affordable and quality homes that meet their needs and support their aspirations’) and themes. Housing is a universal need, and most people are aligned on what makes good housing.
However, there is an onus on councils and their stakeholders to demonstrate how this vision can become a reality, including how it speaks to individuals’ circumstances. It is important to acknowledge people’s experiences, even where negative, and highlight positive examples from the local area which show what can be achieved.
A call for more housing
Almost all residents who were consulted recognised and supported the need for more housing, particularly in their own communities and neighbourhoods. So-called ‘nimbys’ were few and far between. This support was qualified by the type of housing provided and the contribution it makes to a local area.
People are supportive of good-quality housing which is affordable to local people and is supported by amenities. Being able to demonstrate this through clear assessment of local housing need, infrastructure plans, and local planning policies, is crucial.
“People are supportive of good-quality housing which is affordable to local people and is supported by amenities.”
Beyond bricks and mortar
Conversations about housing soon drift into other subjects, such as local bus routes, bin collections, CCTV, and booking GP appointments. People live their lives in neighbourhoods, and it is important to see housing as a component in a wider local ecosystem.
What became clear is that discussions on a housing strategy provide an opportunity to explain and strengthen links with other public services and galvanise support from local stakeholders.
Role of the private rented sector
Liverpool’s private rented sector has grown substantially in recent years. The sector and its residents are diverse, comprising high-earning professionals in city centre new builds through to recent migrants living in older houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and everything in between.
The size and complexity of the sector leads to a variety of experiences among renters, with many sharing personal anecdotes and calling for stronger regulation. In future, council’s understanding of their local rented sector and relationship building with landlords will be crucial, including in how they meet housing needs.
Next steps
The consultation has informed the final version of Liverpool’s Housing Strategy which has gone to Cabinet this month. This is an ambitious document, which reflects the city’s commitment to listening, adapting, and creating housing solutions that serve its community.
The journey will continue as the council seeks to establish new participatory structures for monitoring and implementing the strategy which draw on the city’s diverse communities.
“[Liverpool’s Housing Strategy] reflects the city’s commitment to listening, adapting, and creating housing solutions that serve its community .”
To discuss how Campbell Tickell can support you to develop a Housing Strategy or run a consultation, please email James McHugh or Maggie Rafalowicz
