The Housing Strategy Action Plan is to be presented to the Panel.
Contact:C Hannon 388203
Minutes:
With the aid of a report by the Housing Strategy Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Housing Strategy Action Plan: report on 2017/18 outcomes and 2018/19 priorities was presented to the Panel.
In introducing the report the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning and Economic Development informed the Panel of the background detail to the Housing Strategy and that the strategy outlines what the Council wants to do. The Executive Councillor highlighted that one of the biggest achievements of the Housing Strategy Action Plan was the 363 successful homelessness preventions during 2017/18.
A discussion ensued regarding the empty properties at RAF Brampton. Members were informed that the Council have been in contact with the Ministry of Defence about using them however, the MOD has not indicated that it wants to lease them long term, additionally some of the properties require refurbishing.
Following a question about the Council’s interaction with Luminus since it has been taken over by Places for People, the Panel was informed that the working relationship has improved. The Council has worked closely with Luminus on their development plan and that they are planning to introduce more affordable housing. In addition, following further discussion on Luminus, it was confirmed that Homes England regulate Luminus and all registered social providers.
Concern was raised that developers may avoid working with Housing Associations in delivering affordable housing as they (Housing Associations) have certain specifications. Members were reassured though that the delivery of affordable housing remains realistic.
In response to a discussion on rough sleepers it was confirmed that homelessness is not the same as rough sleepers. In Huntingdonshire, there are estimated to be four rough sleepers and if they presented themselves as homeless then they may receive temporary accommodation.
Following a discussion on empty properties, it was confirmed that the Council has an easy mechanism for reporting them however, the cost of bringing some empty properties back into use far outweighs the results and that the Council should use the resources it has in delivering more beneficial actions of the action plan.
When a question arose regarding the Council’s action of ensuring that the Council has a five year supply of Gypsy and Traveller sites, it was confirmed that it meant permanent sites, as sites for transiting travellers remains the responsibility of Cambridgeshire County Council.
A Member questioned the target number of affordable housing to be delivered in 2017/18. In response it was confirmed that target was the delivery of 167 affordable homes however, not all were completed in 2017/18 (123 completed). The Panel was informed that all 167 affordable homes will be completed.
Further to discussion on Priority One, Action Six, the Executive Councillor confirmed that the Council are reviewing all options in order to facilitate the delivery of affordable housing but warned Members that there is no easy option.
Following a question regarding the amount of emergency housing, the Panel was informed that the Council prefers the delivery of affordable housing but on occasions may seek to utilise that affordable housing as temporary accommodation in the first instance however, there is not enough and that is why the Council ends up using bed and breakfasts and hotels.
Confusion arose concerning the Council’s partnerships with developers on large strategic sites. It was explained that those sites are defined as large strategic sites and the action does not preclude the Council from working in partnership on other sites.
The Panel endorsed the priorities for the Housing Strategy Action Plan 2018/19.
(At 8.10pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor J A Gray entered the meeting.)
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