Issue - meetings

To consider and approve the final version of the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2028.

The Committee considered the report on outcome of the consultation on the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2028.

An overview of the 229 responses to the consultation was provided which showed that 93% of the respondents were Cheshire East residents, with responses predominantly from those over the age of 55.

During consideration of the report, reference was made to the use of the term ‘rough sleepers’ and it was asked if this could be replaced with “people experiencing street homelessness.”  Officers undertook to see clarification on the definition to be used.

The Committee asked about the housing offer to young people leaving care to enable independent living. In response it was stated that a working group, which included the housing team and representatives from children’s commissioning, had been established to work towards the commissioning of a revised housing offer for young people which would include an increase in the provision of emergency accommodation and supported accommodation for young people by 2026.

Reference was made to the options available for those wanting to downsize and it was noted that one of the actions in the Interim Housing Strategy Action Plan was to explore downsizing and the opportunities available from housing providers.

It was asked if there was a register of empty houses and in response it was stated that the Council held a register, and information would be circulated to committee members on this.

RESOLVED (by majority):  The Committee

1               note the consultation responses and amendments to the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2028.

2               approve and adopt the final version of the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2028.

3               delegate authority to the Director of Growth and Enterprise to approve any further updates to the Interim Housing Strategy Action Plan up and to 2028.