Issue - meetings

To receive a report setting out the strategic direction for housing in Huntingdonshire for the next five years.

The Cabinet has

(1)  considered the contents of the report; and

(2)  approved the New Housing Strategy and Action Plan.

A report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration and Housing Delivery was submitted (a copy of which is appended to the Minute Book) setting out the strategic direction for housing in Huntingdonshire for the next five years.

The Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy and Housing, Councillor Wakeford introduced the report, and made reference to the discussion at the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth), particularly around the importance of accessibility and affordability in relation to Housing, which had been a core part of the team’s work in supporting the production of the new Local Plan, to ensure the Council was steering as much as possible on the Housing the District needed.

In response to questions from the Cabinet, Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy and Housing advised that it was important to ensure there was a strategic basis in place for Housing work, and to pull more levers to improve the Housing situation for residents. The Strategy included information that was contributing to the development of the new Local Plan and setting the context of the team’s engagement with the new Local Plan review process.

The Cabinet commended the report and noted the concerns of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) with respect to rural deliverability. Members made reference to the importance of accessibility adaptability of Housing, particularly in Social Housing, and the improvements to the Disabled Facilities Grants process.

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that

(1)  the contents of the report, be noted; and

(2)  the New Housing Strategy and Action Plan, be noted.