Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report. 

RESOLVED –

1. That the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-2026 at Appendix A be adopted.
2. That the Housing Advisory Panel reviews and evaluates the action plans that sit under the four key ambitions every six months, to ensure that the Council’s priorities remain in the right direction and reflect local and national priorities be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: Having a current Strategy would mean the Council was complying with the Homelessness Act 2002, the Government’s Rough Sleeping Strategy and that ambitions and aims are in place for the next five years. 

Sue Oliver, Private Sector Housing Manager introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussions and questions from Members included the following:

-       Although there were 63 visits to the website, only 13 replies to the consultation were received.

-       Of those who replied to the consultation, most were largely supportive.

-       Comments were received that related to actions to do more to help the homeless.

-       Additional information was requested on the reasons why people became homeless and the links to the organisations who could help.

-       Other comments related to requests for an increased supply of affordable homes, incentives for landlords and access to the private rented sector.

-       Another key comment related to looking at what present and future generations might need and the role of retirement homes.

-       The Local Plan would deliver more social and affordable housing.  In the last year, approximately 660 new houses were delivered of which 270 were affordable/social housing. 

RESOLVED –

1. That the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-2026 at Appendix A be adopted.
2. That the Housing Advisory Panel reviews and evaluates the action plans that sit under the four key ambitions every six months, to ensure that the Council’s priorities remain in the right direction and reflect local and national priorities be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: Having a current Strategy would mean the Council was complying with the Homelessness Act 2002, the Government’s Rough Sleeping Strategy and that ambitions and aims are in place for the next five years.