The Liverpool City Region has its first ever Metro Mayor but what does it mean for housing?

Your Move examines Steve Rotheram’s manifesto to find out what we can expect from the new figurehead when it comes to homes in the city region.

Housing summit 

Mayor Rotheram has promised to convene a “high-level housing summit” within his first 100 days in office where he plans to bring together local authorities, housing providers, and government agencies to develop a “strategy and early actions to make a fairer, greener housing market”.

The Metro Mayor’s Housing Challenge

Next on the Mayor’s list of housing pledges is the launch of the his ‘Housing Challenge’ competition which he hopes will help to identify new ways to meet the city region’s housing needs.

Mayor Rotheram says his aim will be to foster “strong, vibrant and empowered communities” across the city region and explore 21st Century community mutual and co-operative models, self-build initiatives, community-led neighbourhood design, new funding approaches and alternative and sustainable construction methods.

Making the most of what we’ve got

According to Mayor Rotheram, many areas across the region are blighted by poor quality, badly maintained and empty homes, which should be better utilised.

He says he will work with local authority partners to promote good practice and help “tackle” poor quality rented accommodation and empty homes.

Meanwhile, he plans to use strategic planning and housing powers to encourage better use of brownfield land.

Eco-friendly

Finally, Mayor Rotheram has outlined plans to develop more eco-friendly and energy-efficient housing – championing innovative and sustainable building and support initiatives for ‘Eco Homes’ and super-efficient ‘Passivhaus’ developments.

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