Workers' views sought on housing

Oxfordshire has some of the most expensive homes in the South East

Police officers, nurses and council workers are to be given the chance to direct policy on affordable housing.

The frontline staff from across Oxfordshire are to be asked for their experiences of trying to get on the property ladder.

Community leaders say the information will be used to inform future planning and housing policies.

The survey comes amid concern the area has the fourth highest house prices in the South East, outside London.

This study is a stepping-stone to action being taken Keith Raw, health authority spokesman

Employers have already highlighted the problem as one of the most important when trying to convince workers to stay in Oxfordshire.

Among those taking part in the survey will be local councils, Thames Valley Police, the county's NHS trusts, the Prison Service and local housing associations.

Keith Raw, housing co-ordinator at the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority, said: "Our community strategy identified affordable housing as the most significant concern to be tackled.

"This study is a stepping-stone to action being taken.

"Once we have the facts we need we will be able to start making tangible changes."