(Report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)
The final draft of the Housing Strategy 2022-2027 which set out the strategic approach to housing in the Borough was presented for consideration.
The Strategy encompassed an updated Tenancy Strategy, noted an action to develop a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and outlined a number of priority objectives which would be monitored through annual action plans.
Cabinet had regard to the legal implications and financial and value for money considerations detailed in the report and noted that not having an up to date Housing Strategy put the Borough Council at risk of challenge. It was also recognised that a Strategy focused on local need and priorities could help with future funding opportunities. Particular reference was made to the valuable working relationship between the Borough Council and the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and it was suggested that specific reference be made to this in the Strategy to illustrate the importance of partnership working.
The Cabinet resolved: That
(1) the Housing Strategy 2022-2027 (attached at Annex 1 to the report) be adopted, subject to making specific reference to the valuable working relationship with the RBLI; and
(2) approval of minor changes to the Year 1 Action Plan 2022-2023 be delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Housing.