Liverpool City Council has announced plans to deliver 2,000 new homes each year, reduce empty properties, and address homelessness as part of its new draft housing strategy.

A report scheduled for the council’s cabinet next week will seek approval to launch a public consultation on the draft strategy, which aims to shape a £1bn housing programme across the city. This initiative includes a target of building at least 8,000 new homes by 2027, with 20% being affordable, and the remainder by 2030.

The city anticipates growth by 40,000 households over the next 20 years. Currently, over 52% of Liverpool’s residents live in private or social rented homes. In the past five years, 10,700 new homes have been built, with only 11% classified as affordable.

The draft strategy also highlights that a fifth of properties in Liverpool do not meet the Decent Homes Standard. Other goals include improving the quality of rented homes and bringing empty homes back into use, with a focus on retrofitting homes for low-income residents in the worst-rated properties.

The plan also aims to provide more housing for vulnerable groups and those with support needs as part of a new homelessness initiative. The final strategy is scheduled for approval by the cabinet in autumn 2024.

The housing strategy will be part of a new Local Plan, replacing the 2022 version, and will provide the statutory planning policy framework for Liverpool. The council intends to submit the plan to the government for independent examination in June 2025, with the goal of adopting it by December 2026.

“This draft strategy outlines our ambitions for improving the city’s housing offer and addressing the housing emergencies that are emerging within Liverpool and nationwide,” said Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council. “It is a six-year strategy, but one which also takes a longer view, seeking to support the housing needs of current and future residents.”

Sam East, cabinet member for housing at Liverpool City Council, added that while the homelessness crisis in Liverpool required immediate action, this strategy is intended “to provide a longer-term framework.”

“This draft strategy reflects feedback we’ve already gathered, which highlighted overwhelming support for providing more homes for social rent, improving energy efficiency and insulation on homes, and tackling homelessness and rough sleeping,” said Mr East.

Steve Rotheram, the mayor of the Liverpool city region, re-elected earlier this month with 68% of the vote, has pledged to use the city’s spatial development strategy to support local authorities in identifying sites for development, applying for funding, and delivering a major programme of council homes. His manifesto also calls for full devolution of the Affordable Homes Programme and the Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund.