Shepway Council Homes Survey Starts

4.47.56pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 2nd Sep 2008

The results of a survey being carried out across Shepway could play a vital role in helping to secure government funding to improve private homes.

Residents living at 2,000 randomly-selected addresses in Shepway are being asked to take part in the survey into the condition of their homes. The results will give Shepway Council a snapshot of private housing across the district and strengthen its case when it comes to bidding for government grants for home improvements, repairs, better heating and improved insulation.

Cllr Keren Belcourt, Cabinet Member for Housing, said Shepway Council, like other councils, had a responsibility to assess the condition of the private houses in its area so that it could make decisions about allocating financial assistance.

"We cannot get an accurate picture from looking only at the outside of houses and we are asking residents to allow a surveyor into their homes for the 40-minute survey. We have already written to some residents and so far I am pleased with the response we have had. The majority of people who have contacted us so far are happy to take part."

The survey, which starts on 8 September and is expected to take five weeks to complete, will be carried by Michael Dyson Associates Limited, a company carrying out similar work for councils in Thanet and Dover.

The results will be confidential and the information will not be given to any other parties. Anyone who would like to discuss the survey can contact Colin Wood, private sector housing manager on 01303 853261.