Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented the report to the Committee.

The Council’s current Housing Strategy 2021-24 (the ‘Strategy’) was due to expire in 2024 and a revised Strategy was required.  It was proposed to run the incoming Strategy from 2024-2029 to ensure it covered the Council Plan 2024-28 and permitted the incoming Council of 2027 to formulate their own Council Plan.

The Council’s outgoing Strategy had identified the following key strategic housing priorities to address highlighted challenges:

·       Key Priority 1 – Providing Good Quality Housing;

·       Key Priority 2 – Enabling Housing Growth; and,

·       Key Priority 3 – Supporting Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People.

For the incoming Strategy, these corporate priorities would be carried forward with a fourth Key Priority added:

·       Key Priority 4 – Maintaining and improving property and housing management standards and ensuring that standards and living conditions in the district contribute towards better health outcomes for all.

Attached as Appendix 1 was the proposed Housing Strategy 2024-2029. 

Attached as Appendix 2 was the results from a public consultation (56 respondents).  The results of which were:

It was noted a limited response from Parish Councils was received, and responses were not received from all District Wards.

The incoming Strategy would deliver the 10 Housing initiatives in the Corporate Plan and officers had agreed 11 broad outcomes.

The incoming Strategy formed part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework and was considered a key strategic driver for the future of the District.

Following Council adoption of the incoming Strategy, officers would develop the Action Plan and identify the core delivery team.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing informed this was the final report of the incoming Strategy to the Committee.  The Housing Team were seeking final comments and/or suggested amendments prior to consideration of the Executive and Council.

A Member noted this was a comprehensive report.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing informed if Members had any questions, to let the Housing Team know.

The Chair thanked the Portfolio Holder for Housing for presenting the report.

Moved by Councillor Phil Smith and seconded by Councillor Vicky Wapplington

RESOLVED that the Customer Services Scrutiny Committee review the proposed strategy attached and the outcome of the public consultation and provide comment/suggested amendments prior to submission to Executive and Council.

Approved by Councillor Sandra Peake, Portfolio Holder for Housing