Kingston Council could be building more “desperately needed” council housing, after a consultation into its ambitious plans for an improvement housing service has finished.

In the last year, more than 2,500 households approached the council for help with housing, but there were only 295 permanent lettings in 2016/17.

The consultation is hoped to inform the council’s future plans to create “a well-maintained, affordable and settled property” for tenants.

Councillor Cathy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for Housing at Kingston Council, said: “While the standard and the management of council housing in Kingston has improved significantly over the last few years, there’s more to do. We want to hear your views to shape the future direction of our housing service. It's important tenants and leaseholders have their say so that we understand what works best for them.”

Running until February 23, the consultation will deal with offering digital services for those who want them, targeting services to vulnerable tenants, making the deal with tenants clearer, reducing paperwork and investing in current and future housing stock.

Cllr Roberts said: “The council has already invested £44.5m to improve more than 3,000 homes through the Better Homes Programme and we want to build on this good work. We want to provide a better service that is easier to access, costs less, supports those who need it and invests in improvements and new homes.”