University of Gloucestershire to help shape future of housing across the county
People across Gloucestershire could benefit from improved housing planning, stronger communities and better links between housing, health and wellbeing through a new countywide Housing Commission.
Gloucestershire’s seven local authorities have come together to launch Gloucestershire Housing Commission, with Gloucestershire County Council appointing University of Gloucestershire, working in partnership with housing consultancy Arc4, to deliver the project following a competitive procurement process.
The Commission will provide an evidence-based assessment of the county’s housing challenges and opportunities and develop practical recommendations to help ensure future housing policies, investment and services better meet the needs of residents and communities across Gloucestershire.
Housing is one of the county’s most significant long-term challenges, with issues such as affordability, homelessness and temporary accommodation, housing quality and changing demographic needs affecting communities across Gloucestershire. The Commission will explore these challenges and opportunities while examining the links between housing, health, social care, economic growth and community wellbeing.
Over the course of the Commission, University of Gloucestershire and Arc4 will work closely with councils, the NHS, housing providers, businesses, voluntary and community organisations, and local residents. The work will combine detailed analysis of housing data with stakeholder engagement, community evidence and lived experience to build a shared understanding of Gloucestershire’s current and future housing needs.
The project will begin in August 2026 and run until summer 2027. Outputs will include a countywide evidence base, recommendations for local partners, a policy and investment case for government, engagement findings and proposals to strengthen the relationship between housing, health and prevention.
The Commission will also consider the housing needs of key groups, including older people, care leavers and key workers, helping to ensure future decisions are informed by a robust understanding of the needs of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities.
The Commission will play an important role in supporting Gloucestershire’s future strategic approach to housing as local government reorganisation progresses. By providing a robust countywide evidence base and a shared understanding of housing needs and opportunities, its findings will help inform long-term planning and decision-making for the new unitary authority, ensuring housing remains central to improving health, wellbeing, economic prosperity and outcomes for residents.
By bringing together evidence, local knowledge and lived experience, the Commission represents an important opportunity to develop a clear, shared vision for housing across Gloucestershire. Its findings will help partners work together to create healthier, more resilient communities and support future investment and decision-making that reflects the needs of residents, now and in the future.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Good housing and the infrastructure to support it is fundamental to people’s health, wellbeing and opportunities. This Commission will help us better understand Gloucestershire’s housing challenges and develop practical recommendations that improve outcomes for residents and communities across the county.
“By bringing together evidence, local expertise and residents’ experiences, it will help shape a shared long-term vision for housing and support future investment and decision-making.
“As Gloucestershire prepares for local government reorganisation, the Commission will provide an important evidence base to help shape housing priorities for the future unitary authority. This will ensure housing, alongside infrastructure, continues to support healthier, stronger and more prosperous communities.
“We are delighted to be working with University of Gloucestershire and Arc4 to deliver this important piece of work for Gloucestershire.”
Professor Cathia Jenainati, Executive Dean (Partnerships, Inclusion and Innovation) at University of Gloucestershire, said: “We are proud to be leading this important Commission in partnership with Arc4. Housing is about much more than buildings: it shapes people’s health, opportunities, economic security and sense of belonging.
“Our role will be to bring together robust research and housing data with the knowledge, experiences and priorities of communities across Gloucestershire.
“By working closely with residents, local authorities, health partners, housing providers, businesses and voluntary organisations, we will build a clear and shared understanding of the county’s current and future housing needs.
“This Commission provides a valuable opportunity to turn that evidence into practical, deliverable recommendations. We want its findings to support better-informed policy and investment decisions and help create healthier, more resilient and inclusive communities across Gloucestershire for the long term.”