Your feedback helps us to improve our website.

Translate

Walsall Borough Housing Strategy 2026 Investment

The Investment big move focuses on attracting and accelerating investment both public and private into Walsall’s housing sector. The goal is to deliver more homes, raise their quality, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier sustainable and inclusive living environments for residents. The strategy will target areas of greatest need through tailored programmes, robust standards, and strong cross-sector partnerships.

Objectives 

E. By March 2030, support the delivery of at least 4,672 new homes (an average of 1,168 per year), with a minimum of 885 (19%) as affordable homes, prioritised for areas of highest need and aligned with population growth. Of the affordable homes delivered, at least 60% (530 homes) will be social rent and up to 40% (355 homes) will be intermediate products (shared ownership), reflecting the borough’s updated tenure requirements and supporting improved housing affordability 

F. By March 2030, ensure the delivery of at least 500 new affordable/social rent homes with four or more bedrooms to address overcrowding and the needs of larger families, and at least 150 wheelchairaccessible homes (M4(2)/M4(3) standard), targeted to both working-age adults and older people, to meet rising disability rates and the diverse requirements of Walsall’s households. 

G. By March 2030, working from a baseline of April 2026, the council will enable the upgrade of at least 5,000 homes in Walsall to EPC C or above, with a specific focus on prioritising the 17.2% of households identified as being in fuel poverty. All major retrofit programmes will incorporate ventilation improvements, resident education, and the creation of at least 100 local skills training opportunities for workers. Achievement of this target is contingent upon the successful securing of external grant funding and the council’s role in enabling, coordinating, and supporting retrofit activity with delivery partners and the local supply chain. Progress will be reviewed annually, with interim milestones of at least 1,000 homes upgraded per year. 

H. By March 2030, from a base of April 2026 reduce the number of homeless households in need by 25% (from 3,470 to under 2,600), halve the number of households in temporary accommodation, and ensure that over 60% of care leavers and 16–25s in need access supported, regulated, or secure move-on accommodation within the borough.

What change will this deliver

  • More Homes for Those Who Need Them - Families, key workers, and vulnerable groups will see shorter waiting lists, with access to homes tailored to diverse needs. This reduces overcrowding and homelessness in our communities. 
  • Higher Standards and Safer Homes - Upgrading existing and new housing will lift quality and safety, resulting in fewer complaints, better health outcomes, and less anti-social behaviour. 
  • Lower Energy Bills and Emissions - Improved energy efficiency helps residents cope with rising costs and contributes to our climate goals. 
  • Healthier, More Attractive Neighbourhoods - Homes and places designed for wellbeing will support children’s development, older people’s independence, and boost community pride. 
  • Measurable, Visible Results - Progress will be tracked through improved EPC ratings, increased resident satisfaction, better health statistics, and a stronger sense of neighbourhood pride.