Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing and Safety

RESOLVED THAT

1. the Housing & Homelessness Strategy Action Plan Update 2014-15 be approved.

2. ongoing annual progress updates on the Strategy Action Plan be agreed until the Housing & Homelessness Strategy is due for renewal in 2017.

The Cabinet Member Housing and Safety introduced the report which was the first update to the Housing and Homelessness Strategy since it had been adopted in July 2012. He reminded Members of the priorities of the strategy which were to increase the provision of new affordable housing, make the best use of existing housing, improve access and maintaining suitable accommodation, tackling homelessness and creating stronger, safer and healthier communities.

The Cabinet Member reported that the key achievements since 2012 had been reviewing and implementing the changes to Gloucestershire Homeseeker’s Allocations Scheme and the implementation and continued development of a Social Lettings Scheme called ‘Spa Lettings’ by the Housing Options Service which had now transferred to Cheltenham Borough Homes.In terms of activities planned for the year ahead, the Cabinet Member referred to affordable housing within the context of the JCS. This included examining with neighbouring local authorities the potential for developing the preferred partner approach for the strategic site within the JCS and cross boundary nomination agreements within the strategic site allocations.

The Cabinet Member Housing and Safety wished to put on record his thanks to officers and the Housing Options team. He reported that the good news was that there were record low numbers to be housed in emergency accommodation which was testament to officers’ hard work.

The Leader added that this was important work for the Council. Whilst there had to date not been an increasing problem it was important to continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly in the light of welfare reform.

RESOLVED THAT

1. the Housing & Homelessness Strategy Action Plan Update 2014-15 be approved.

2. ongoing annual progress updates on the Strategy Action Plan be agreed until the Housing & Homelessness Strategy is due for renewal in 2017.