Issue - meetings

To consider the draft Overarching Housing Strategy attached. (Appendix 1 to follow).

The Interim Team Manager for Housing Strategy, J Nuth informed the Committee that the current Housing Strategy 2018-2022 had been due for renewal and although the Housing Strategy was not a statutory requirement, it provided a cohesive direction of travel for cross-cutting housing related services. The aim of the strategy was to reflect and facilitate the co-ordination of activities for those services that directly impact on current and projected need for and supply of affordable housing in the district.

A review of the Housing Strategy commenced in May 2021 which was underpinned by a review of the Allocations Scheme, the Tenancy Policy and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. These were approved by Cabinet on 1 March 2022 and would take effective in September 2022 for the period 2022-2027.

The Committee asked questions and made the following comments

·         Would the green spaces within the urban areas be protected for recreational use? It had been noted that Homes England had linked health and wellbeing to the external environment and requirements were being incorporated into the National Planning Policy Framework for new developments and regeneration project either to provide or enhanced and protect green spaces. These requirements were also key features in the Council’s ‘More bricks and mortar’ project.

·         Would older properties be made more energy efficient? It was noted that the council had been working on proposals and funding with E-ON for a pilot scheme to retrofit the older councils’ properties to become more energy efficient.  

·         What were the costs involved for the council? It was noted that the Housing Strategy spanned a number of existing services and partnerships and would be delivered through greater collaboration between these services and partnerships.

·         What was the DWELL standard? It was a standard for older peoples housing. DWELL (Designing for Wellbeing in Environment for Later Life)

·         What was an EPC? It was noted that it was an Energy Performance Certificate, which was required for a property when it was rented. It contained information about the property’s energy use, typical energy costs and recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money. 

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Committee noted the draft Public Consultation Outcome Report for the Review of the Housing Strategy 2022-2027 at Appendix 1.

2.         That the Committee noted the draft vision, five proposed priorities and associated aims and objectives for the draft Housing Strategy 2022-2027.

3.         That the Committee noted the proposal to delegate authority to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community to approve the periodic publication of an associated Housing Strategy Action Plan.

4.         That the Committee noted the proposal to ensure the Housing Strategy for 2022-2027 was reviewed and updated no later than 2027.

5.         That the report be recommended to Cabinet for approval with no changes.