Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Hughes introduced the Housing Strategy and Action Plan report and explained that the Housing Strategy built on the achievements delivered through the previous strategy, and set out the Council’s vision ‘to work with key stakeholders to inform and deliver the right type of quality housing and most appropriate support to meet the needs of our population’.

            The Strategy set out 3 priorities with key areas for action within each priority. They were:

            Priority 1: increase supply to provide the right type of homes in the right location through new builds, use of the private rented sector, and better use of existing stock.

            Priority 2: provide support to ensure people live and remain in the right type of home through support which will prevent vulnerable people becoming homeless and sustain them in their own home.

            Priority 3: improve the quality and sustainability of our homes including addressing fuel poverty through energy efficiency measures.

            The Chief Officer (Housing and Assets) commented on the importance of the document and he thanked the officer who had prepared the Strategy and Action Plan.

            In response to a question, the Chief Officer explained that a Housing Needs Assessment determined what was required in an area and that linked in to the Local Development Plan (LDP) to ensure that the mix of homes was correct.

            Councillor Bithell asked if there was anything the Council could do to bring empty homes back into use.  The Chief Officer explained that a lot of work had been done previously to bring empty homes back into use but it was very challenging.  On a further question from Councillor Bithell on housing for individuals with specific special needs who lived with elderly parents, there was an element in the housing register that held those details and suitable accommodation was sought at the appropriate time.  The service worked closely with colleagues in Social Services to help identify those needs.

            RESOLVED:

That the Housing Strategy and Action Plan for 2019/2024 be supported and adopted.