45 CABINET RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL - HOUSING STRATEGY (2021-2026) PDF 174 KB
To receive a report on Cabinet recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Housing Strategy (2021-2026).
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity
(a) submitted a report on the Housing Strategy (2021-2026) which was approved by Cabinet on 8 December 2021;
(b) gave a brief introduction to the report and presented the Cabinet’s recommendation to the Council.
RESOLVED
Council:
APPROVED the adoption
of the final version of the Housing Strategy (2021-2026), as set out at
Appendix A of the report.
(Unanimous)
219 HOUSING STRATEGY 2021-2026 PDF 285 KB
The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration to submit a report seeking Cabinet approval to recommend the adoption of the Housing Strategy 2021-2026 to Council.
Additional documents:
Decision:
Cabinet:
1) NOTED the outcome of the consultation and the amendments made to the Housing Strategy
2) RECOMMENDED to Council that the final version of the Housing Strategy, set out in Appendix A is adopted.
3) NOTED that a Delivery Plan will be developed to support the implementation of the Housing Strategy and that an annual progress report will be presented to the Cabinet
Minutes:
Director for Growth and
Regeneration introduced the Housing Strategy. Particular attention was drawn to
paragraphs 5.15 and 5.16 of the report, as they summarise the key feedback
received from the consultation and provided points for the Council and key
stakeholders to take forward. In terms of next steps, the Cabinet was informed
that an Action Plan would be presented to them in spring 2022.
The Portfolio Holder for
Growth and Prosperity summarised the reasons why the Cabinet should approve
recommendations.
The Portfolio Holder for
Council Homes and Landlord Services informed Members that the Council are facing
a challenge with respect to a higher demand for single person dwellings. In
addition, there is a challenge with regards to affordability as the rural areas
are more expensive than the urban areas. It was also noted that there is a need
for a higher number of social rental properties. The Cabinet were informed that
it is the intention to continue to work with partners in order to provide
robust sustainable communities.
In response to a question on
what the Council can do about developers who don’t fulfil their end of the
agreement, it was confirmed that these are usually dealt with legally binding
Section 106 agreements which, if the developer fails to fulfil, the Council can
go to court and seek restitution. However, it is very rare that the Council has
to do this.
(DECISION: KEY)
Cabinet:
1) NOTED the outcome of the consultation and the amendments made to the Housing Strategy
2) RECOMMENDED to Council that the final version of the Housing Strategy, set out in Appendix A is adopted.
3) NOTED that a Delivery Plan will be developed to support the implementation of the Housing Strategy and that an annual progress report will be presented to the Cabinet
Reasons for the
recommendation
The Housing Strategy will support the
delivery of key priorities for the Council, including Corporate Strategy
(2020-2024) priority 2, ‘providing high quality council homes and landlord
services’ and priority 3, ‘delivering sustainable and inclusive growth in
Melton’.
Developing a housing strategy is not a
statutory duty. However, local authorities are encouraged to create a document
that clearly states their housing ambitions and provide a clear and strategic
direction for planning and delivering housing in their area. The Housing
Strategy will ensure that housing is considered at a strategic level so housing
related services and plans are delivered efficiently and effectively in a
joined up way.
The Housing Strategy is recommended because
it has been robustly developed, having regard to;
a)
The
objectives and priorities of the Corporate Strategy (2020-24)
b)
The
Council’s strategic housing responsibilities
c)
Other
statutory and non-statutory guidance, government policy and initiatives
d)
Substantial
analysis and engagement with stakeholders
Feedback on the consultation of the draft Housing Strategy was largely positive and there was strong support from local residents as well as our partners and wider stakeholders for its objectives. The strategy has been finalised by considering and incorporating feedback given, ensuring it more closely reflects ... view the full minutes text for item 219