HOUSING needs and policies in Gloucestershire are to be put under the microscope.

A new housing commission for the county.

The ommission will provide an evidence-based assessment of the county's housing and develop recommendations to help ensure future housing policies, investment and services better meet the needs of residents.

The commission has been set up by Gloucestershire County Council and the six district councils.

They have appointed the University of Gloucestershire, working with consultancy Arc4, to run the process.

The commission will work with councils, the NHS, housing providers, businesses, voluntary and community organisations, and local residents.

The work will combine detailed analysis of housing data with evidence from local people to build an understanding of Gloucestershire's current and future housing needs.

The commission, which will run until the summer of 2027, 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 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 understanding of housing needs and opportunities, its will help inform long-term planning and for the new unitary authority, ensuring housing remains central to improving health, wellbeing, economic prosperity and outcomes for residents.

Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Lisa Spivey, (LibDem, South Cerney) 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, the Executive Dean for Partnerships, Inclusion and Innovation at the 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.”