Your voice counts

We have rounded up details of four current online consultations below. Please take a few moments to read through each one and then click on the links to share your experiences and have your say about each topic. The more people that respond and provide feedback will ensure that we develop services that are fit for the future and meet everyone’s needs.

Consultation on a draft Housing Strategy 2026-2031

As we reported in our last issue, we have recently launched the initial draft of a five-year Housing Strategy. We want to build a future where everyone in Southampton has access to affordable, sustainable, healthy, and high-quality homes. That everyone lives in a neighbourhood where they feel safe and happy. We cannot do this without you, and we need your input to ensure we are moving in the right direction to achieve these aims.

The draft strategy sets out how we plan to enhance services to tenants and leaseholders, modernise existing council homes, build more affordable housing, improve standards in the private rented sector, work to prevent homelessness and support local communities.

Please read and have your say before the consultation ends on Sunday 21 September 2025. View the consultation on a draft Housing Strategy 2026-2031.

Consultation on draft Housing Adaptations Policy

We would like your thoughts about draft proposals to change the process for carrying out adaptations to council homes. Adaptations (which can range from installing grab rails to accessible wet rooms) aim to make a property more suitable for tenants with disabilities or mobility issues.

The draft plan aims to clarify how tenants can request adaptation work and how these requests are approved and carried out.

We would like to hear what you think about these proposals and if you have any alternative suggestions you would like us to consider. Read the draft plans online and have your say before Sunday 19 October 2025. View the consultation on draft Housing Adaptations Policy.

Consultation on draft Downsizing Policy

With demand for council housing far outstripping supply, it is essential that we make the best use of our homes. This includes encouraging any tenant who lives in a home that is considered too large for their needs to consider downsizing to somewhere smaller and more suitable. 

Our proposed Downsizing Policy outlines how we plan to incentivize ‘under occupying’ tenants to free up much needed larger homes. The draft policy outlines the application process and eligibility criteria for who can receive an incentive payment as well as practical support with moving.

The consultation closes Sunday 19 October 2025. View the consultation on draft Downsizing Policy.

Consultation on draft Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy 2026-2030

Empowering tenants and leaseholders to get involved with decision making and to work with the council to improve services has never been so important. Our Tenant Engagement team are here to support more of you make your voices heard, by providing opportunities to scrutinise and influence the service you receive.

Our draft consultation (which has been co-created with tenants) outlines how we plan to put customers at the heart of everything we do. It sets out our aims to ensure you can have a greater say, influence important decisions, and how we will listen and work with everyone who wants to get involved.

It is important that you read and have your say about the proposals before the consultation closes on Sunday 19 October 2025. View the consultation on draft Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy 2026-2030.

Other ways to provide feedback

You can also respond to the four consultations by emailing us your feedback. If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of each questionnaire, simply request a copy at any Southampton Library or print one out at home and return it to any council office.