COUNCILLORS are to carry out an investigation into the lack of quality, affordable rented housing in Hartlepool.

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's regeneration and planning services scrutiny forum will meet on Thursday to outline the investigation, including time scales and who will be consulted.

The forum will meet regularly and and report their findings before the end of the year. Recommendations will then go to the council's cabinet.

Councillor Shaun Cook, chairman of the scrutiny forum, said: "Going back to the early Eighties, the Government introduced right to buy, which was a good thing because it gave people responsibilities and pride of ownership.

"However, more than 20 years on there is clearly a shortage of good, affordable rented property in Hartlepool, and I think it is time that this whole issue was looked at in some detail.

"The dramatic rise in house prices over the past few years has meant that more people are now having to turn to rented accommodation, but there is simply insufficient to meet the current demand.

"As part of this investigation, we will be seeking views from a range of organisations, but we also want local residents to get involved and let us have their thoughts and ideas and possible solutions to the current situation."

The first meeting takes place at Jutland Road Community Centre on Thursday, starting at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome.