Agenda item

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.

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

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 local peoples and partners housing priorities.