Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation of the Head of Service – Planning and Policy

The Committee received a presentation on the Strategic Housing Review, which outlined the aim and role of strategic housing and the purpose and priorities for strategic housing and development, homelessness and housing options and private sector housing.

It was noted that some of the key priorities for 2009/10 would be to develop the following strategies:

• Affordable Warmth Strategy
• Empty Homes Strategy
• Affordable Housing Strategy
• Older Persons Housing Strategy
• Homelessness Strategy.

The Committee agreed that where possible it would like to give consideration to the above strategies prior to them being considered by Cabinet.

The Committee raised the issue of the provision of affordable housing in rural areas, the impact caused by the recession and the need for good schemes to be developed. It was reported that there was now a Rural Housing Enabler in post who would be looking at this issue as well as the promotion of schemes. The Committee felt that it could be beneficial for Members to visit examples of good practice.

RESOLVED

1. That the strategies highlighted above be considered by the Environment and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee prior to them being submitted to Cabinet.
2. That the possibility of Members visiting successful rural affordable housing schemes be investigated.