Marlborough Town Council has previously supported declaring a Housing Emergency over fears people are being driven out of the community by a lack of affordable housing.
A briefing paper prepared for town councillors has warned that many vulnerable residents are unable to secure housing in the town due to high prices and a lack of social or affordable homes.
It said: “Marlborough Town Council has previously recognised that the town faces a severe housing crisis, characterised by escalating house prices, a shortage of affordable rental properties, declining availability of social housing, and rising pressure on vulnerable residents, including young people, families, and older people on fixed incomes.”
The briefing paper identified falling social housing stock as a major issue facing the town, which is preventing people from staying in the area.
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It added: “Across Marlborough and the wider Wiltshire area, social housing stock has been steadily reduced through right-to-buy sales, disposals, and reclassification of housing association properties.
“Local social homes sold are not being replaced, resulting in a net loss of affordable homes.
“Current planning and development activity in Marlborough includes no significant provision of social or affordable housing units.
“Waiting lists for affordable housing continue to lengthen, with many residents unable to access secure, long-term accommodation.”
The briefing paper is part of a proposal lodged by Cllr Kym-Marie Cleasby to form a Housing Working Party.
If the proposal is supported, this group would include Cllr Cleasby, the town clerk, two or more additional town councillors, and up to two or three non-voting community or housing representatives.
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Its purpose would be to monitor housing need and availability, engage with Wiltshire Council, housing associations, developers, and community groups, and develop and recommend proposals for delivering new social and affordable housing.
The working party would also aim to hold housing associations accountable for their stock, make representations on housing policy and delivery, and regularly report to full council.
Town councillors will vote on Cllr Cleasby’s proposal during a full council meeting on Monday, November 3.
A background report for councillors added: “The town council currently lacks a formal mechanism to monitor housing issues, engage with housing associations, or influence Wiltshire Council’s decisions on housing and planning.
“A dedicated Working Party will allow the council to take a proactive, coordinated role in addressing the housing emergency and ensuring that local needs are properly represented.”