An online survey is available here until November 30 for Borderers to have their say on what housing issues matter most to them and what action could make a positive difference in these areas.

The final Local Housing Strategy will set out the vision and priorities for the future of housing and all housing-related services across the Scottish Borders.

Councillor Mark Rowley, executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said: “Housing is not just a matter of bricks and mortar but our homes are an integral part of the Borders’ physical, economic and social character.

“Homes play a crucial part in enhancing our local economy, attracting families and businesses into the area, strengthening our communities and of course has a huge impact on the wellbeing of local people. Increasingly they are now our place of work too and homes have a key role to play in attracting more people to come and live and work in the Scottish Borders

“It is therefore extremely important that local people can have their say and help shape the final strategy so we look forward to hearing their views.”

Scottish local authorities are required to prepare a Local Housing Strategy every five years which sets out a vision for the supply, quality and availability of housing in their local area.

In developing the draft Local Housing Strategy, Scottish Borders Council will engage with communities and stakeholders to:

• Define a vision for the housing system in the Scottish Borders
• Identify the main issues facing the housing system in the Scottish Borders
• Propose actions and solutions that will address these issues

The strategy considers all tenures and types of accommodation and reflects both national priorities and local needs.