Issue - meetings

To present the Housing Strategy 2018-2023.

This report was considered by the Scrutiny Commission on 8 November. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

The Housing Strategy 2018-2023 was presented to Council. Discussion ensued on the ambitious strategy and the role that the council could take in enabling and facilitating new affordable homes and supporting those in need working with external bodies. It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Ward and

RESOLVED – the Housing Strategy 2018-2023 be approved.

To present the Housing Strategy 2018 to 2023.

The Scrutiny Commission’s comments were sought on the Housing Strategy. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         Rules for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) had been expanded and more would require licences

·         There were now more powers available in relation to the private rented sector

·         The standard of private rented housing had an effect on the housing options and homelessness services

·         Data around enforcement action taken and the types of issues was requested

·         The council would enable people to access options appropriate to them, including signposting shared ownership and help to buy schemes

·         It had become more difficult to find landlords to take on affordable housing in new developments

·         Housing which had been transferred to Orbit during the 1990s had been offered back to the authority as per the original agreement. A decision would need to be made about whether these were purchased as this would not increase the overall housing available to the authority and it may be prudent to use that money to bring forward new properties instead.

RESOLVED – the report be noted and RECOMMENDED to Council.