Have your say about the future of housing in Bury

A safe and suitable home is the foundation of a good quality of life.

Whether it is helping young people take their first step onto the housing ladder, supporting older residents to live independently, or improving existing neighbourhoods, housing plays a vital role in creating thriving communities.

That's why Bury Council is asking tenants, residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on its draft Housing Strategy 2026-2036 which will help shape housing priorities across the borough for the next decade.

Bury Council has published its draft strategy document and is asking people across the borough what they think before it is finalised.

The consultation opens today Thursday 13 August and runs for twelve weeks, closing on 5 November 2026

The strategy sets out how the council, and its partners, will deliver the homes the borough needs over the next decade. Its priorities include building more new homes, including affordable homes, making existing homes safer, warmer and more energy efficient, helping residents find homes that meet their needs, preventing homelessness, raising standards in the private rented sector, and improving council homes and estates.

It also supports the transformation of the borough's town centres, with new homes planned in Bury town centre, Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield, and sets out how housing will support residents to live well and independently, including older people, disabled people and young people leaving care.

Councillor Arif, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: "Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home in a community they are proud of. This strategy sets out our ambitions for housing in Bury over the next ten years, but before we finalise it, we want to hear from the people who live and work here. Whether you rent, own your home, run a business or support others in our communities, your views will help shape the final strategy, so please take a few minutes to get involved."

Councillor Morris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, said: "Housing is at the heart of our plans for the borough, from the regeneration of our town centres to the new neighbourhoods planned for the years ahead. This consultation is a real opportunity for residents to influence where we go next, and I would encourage everyone to have their say."

The draft strategy, a shorter executive summary, an easy read version and a short video explaining the strategy are all available on the consultation webpage at draft Housing Strategy 2026-2036

People can share their views by completing the online survey on the consultation webpage, where an easy read version of the survey is also available, or by emailing housingstrategy@bury.gov.uk

The strategy has been developed with housing consultants arc4 who will be holding two online events with residents and stakeholders where they can hear more about the draft strategy, ask questions and share their views:

• Monday 7 September from 6 pm to 7.30 pm - all residents and stakeholders.
• Tuesday 8 September from 6 pm to 7.30 pm - people aged 35 and under.

Places can be booked by calling freephone 0800 612 9133 or emailing lynne.shaw@arc4.co.uk

Paper copies of the strategy and survey, and information in other formats, are available on request by calling freephone 0800 612 9133 or emailing lynne.shaw@arc4.co.uk

Feedback from the consultation will be used to shape the final strategy, which will be presented to the council's Cabinet for approval later this year alongside a report summarising what the consultation found.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The draft Homes for Bury Housing Strategy 2026 to 2036 was approved for public consultation by Bury Council's Cabinet on 30 June 2026. It will replace the Council's 2021 to 2025 Housing Strategy.

2. The strategy has been informed by a review of housing needs across the borough carried out in 2025, and by early engagement with officers, partners and key stakeholders. The Council commissioned arc4, an independent housing consultancy, to carry out the review and develop the strategy.

3. The consultation runs for twelve weeks from 13 August 2026 to 5 November 2026. All consultation materials are available at draft Housing Strategy 2026-2036