Wirral sets out plan to deliver homes and tackle housing pressures
Plans to deliver more affordable homes, improve housing conditions and support residents with the cost of living – particularly by improving the energy efficiency of homes - are set to be considered by councillors next month.
Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee will review the Housing Strategy 2026–2031 Implementation Plan, which sets out a clear roadmap to improve housing across the borough and support economic growth.
The plan translates the borough’s housing strategy into a series of practical actions, targets and milestones, focused on increasing the supply of homes, raising housing standards, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting residents at risk of homelessness.
A key part of the plan is strengthening partnership working to accelerate delivery, including through Wirral’s new Strategic Housing Partnership (SHP).
Launched earlier this year, the partnership brings together key organisations across housing, regeneration and investment to coordinate the delivery of high‑quality, affordable and sustainable homes.
Through the SHP, the council and its partners will increase access to affordable housing, support regeneration and align funding. Embedding this partnership in the Implementation Plan will help unlock development, attract investment and improve outcomes for residents.
The priority areas identified in the plan are:
Building more homes and supporting growth
The plan aims to accelerate affordable housing delivery, including bringing forward council-owned sites. A Housing Investment Prospectus will attract partners and funding, supported by improved use of planning tools.
Improving quality and tackling health issues
A new Strategic Housing and Health Lead will drive action on housing-related health issues, including damp, mould and cold homes. Work will also continue to improve standards in the private rented sector.
Cutting energy bills and emissions
Measures include retrofitting thousands of homes to improve energy efficiency. Community energy initiatives will also be expanded.
Supporting residents in housing need
The council will reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and strengthen early help to prevent homelessness. Supported housing and independent living options will also be expanded.
Transforming housing services
Services will be more joined up, so residents only need to “tell their story once”. Support will also be easier to access through community hubs and early intervention.
The Implementation Plan will be monitored through clear performance measures, with quarterly reporting and annual updates to track progress and ensure transparency.
It is designed to be a flexible document, allowing the council and its partners to respond to changing needs, funding opportunities and national policy. If approved, it will guide housing delivery across the borough over the coming years, supporting Wirral’s ambition to create sustainable neighbourhoods with good‑quality, affordable homes for everyone.
The Implementation Plan will be considered by the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee on 16 June 2026. This follows the approval of the Housing Strategy 2026-2031 in January 2026.
