Decision details

To consider the Notice of Motion, referred to the Committee by Council on 14 December 2022.

The Committee considered a report in response to a Notice of Motion relating to the development of Council Housing. Council on 14 December 2022 had referred the Notice of Motion to the Economy and Growth Committee for consideration.

The motion, was proposed by Councillor C Naismith and Seconded by Councillor A Critchley, read as follows:

That the Council commits to

1)       creating a Cheshire East Council housing revenue account.

2)         the development of a long-term strategy for the construction of high-quality, genuinely affordable council housing across the borough, underpinned by long-term secure tenancy agreements, with rents relative to the average wage of the geographical area. Thus, providing residents with security, health, education and social mobility opportunity that they deserve.

It was reported that as the Council was a non-stock holding Council, the proposals in the Motion would require significant financial commitment and outlay in establishing and developing the housing required to form a Housing Revenue Account. The proposal did not form part of the Corporate Plan and was not within the current MTFS proposals and would therefore require additional capital and revenue funds outside of the MTFS programme.

The Committee noted that the Council was developing its Housing Strategy and proposed that options to increase the number of houses for social rent and for specialist housing be including in the development of the Housing Strategy and be reported back to the Committee.

RESOLVED (unanimously):  That

1          the Notice of Motion be noted; and

2          that options to increase the number of houses for social rent and for specialist housing be including the development of the Housing Strategy.