Issue - meetings

To consider the head of housing and environment’s report. 

To provide an update on the progress of the housing delivery strategy and its associated actions for 2022/23 and 2023/24. To propose a new action plan for 2024/25 to continue the ongoing work to increase affordable and suitable housing.

Recommendations:

a)       That Cabinet notes the changes in the national housing guidelines (or legislation) since the housing delivery strategy, and action plan, was adopted in 2022 and the associated impact that this has on the housing delivery strategy.

b)       That Cabinet notes the latest progress against the action plan, as well as the significant efforts made in the leasing and purchasing of property under the SFA and LAHF schemes.

c)       That Cabinet adopts the proposed new housing delivery strategy action plan for 2024/25.

The report was introduced by cabinet member for affordable housing, infrastructure, development and governance. Officers supporting the housing related agenda items were the housing delivery manager, housing needs manager and the head of housing and environment. The report provided an update on the progress of the housing delivery strategy (formed in 2022) and its associated actions for 2022/23 and 2023/24 and to propose a new action plan for 2024/25 to continue the ongoing work to increase affordable and suitable housing for residents.

Member’s comments included how this strategy and plan pushed forward corporate plan priorities and the officer team was congratulated on the work. A member raised the need to balance homelessness solutions with social and financial decisions, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis. Another member felt that the strategy was progressive and agreed that the council should look at not just providing homes, but good quality homes as well. Members of cabinet welcomed this report and agreed with the recommendations, thanking those involved in the work.

Resolved:

(a) That Cabinet noted the changes in the national housing guidelines (or legislation) since the housing delivery strategy, and action plan, was adopted in 2022 and the associated impact that this had on the housing delivery strategy.

(b) That Cabinet noted the latest progress against the action plan, as well as the significant efforts made in the leasing and purchasing of property under the Service Family Accommodation and Local Authority Housing Fund schemes.

(c) That Cabinet agreed to adopt the proposed new housing delivery strategy action plan for 2024/25 that was presented at the Cabinet meeting on 19 April 2024.