Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing

RESOLVED THAT

The Housing & Homelessness Strategy 2018-23 be adopted.

The Cabinet Member Housing introduced the report which set out how the council intended to meet the housing needs of the communities within Cheltenham over the next five years. The vision was to increase the availability, quality, suitability and affordability of accommodation, and to create communities that were safer, stronger and healthier. It focused on homelessness which was not a particular problem in the town but it acknowledged that people came into the borough and there were measures that could be put  in place to address this.

The action plan was ongoing and at September Cabinet a report would be brought on housing investment- a cabinet working group monitored this.

He explained that councillors elected in May 2018 had inputted into the conversation around the strategy which was comprehensive and broad ranging and included both what was currently undertaken and aspirations for the future.

It was a manifesto commitment to invest in housing in the town. Primary focus was young people and families, particularly those in private rented accommodation to ensure the security and quality of accommodation was adequate.

Finally the Leader stated that this strategy was massively significant for the town and the council was committed to making it work. He wished to thank all those who had been involved in producing the strategy. Affordability remained a big issue nationally and this was a key part of getting something to work for Cheltenham.

RESOLVED THAT

The Housing & Homelessness Strategy 2018-23 be adopted.