Agenda item

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Leisure concerning the outcome of consultation on the draft Housing Strategy and seeking approval for the adoption and implementation of the final version.

88.1      Council considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Leisure concerningthe outcome of consultation on the draft Housing Strategy and seeking approval for the adoption and implementation of the final version.

88.2      Councillor Organ moved the recommendations set out in the report.

88.3      Councillor James seconded the motion.

88.4      Councillor Organ explained that the Housing Strategy underpinned the Joint Core Strategy and the Council Plan; it was a forward looking document that would be refreshed as new data became available. He advised that it was essential to have a strategic plan in place to ensure that the Council met its statutory obligations.

88.5      Councillor Haigh welcomed the intention to produce an executive summary of the strategy to clarify the overall strategic direction for housing in the City.

88.6      In response to a question from Councillor Smith regarding discretionary housing payments, Councillor Organ advised that he anticipated that the budget would be fully spent by the end of the year

88.7      Councillor Organ acknowledged that the City’s house-building rate was one of the highest in the country, despite the City’s challenging boundaries. He emphasised the importance of working with closely with developers and also working to improve standards in the private rented sector.

88.8      RESOLVED –

(1)       The Housing Strategy at Appendix 1 be adopted and implemented; 

(2)       Progress reports be brought to Council every two years; and

(3)       Authority to make minor revisions to the action plan be delegated to the Housing Strategy and Enabling Service Manager in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health & Leisure.