Purpose

To seek approval to undertake a 6-week consultation exercise to seek the views of the public and stakeholders on the Council’s draft Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan 2025-2030.

Decision

To enable the Council to implement a 5-year Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan setting out the key priorities and actions to address the housing needs of residents and communities within the Borough.

Reasons for the decision

That the Portfolio Holder for Sustainability, Growth and Economy agrees to a public and stakeholder engagement being undertaken for a period of 6-weeks in relation to the proposed Council’s Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan 2025-2030.

Alternative options considered

There is an option not to produce a Housing Strategy meaning approval for a consultation period would no longer be required. There is no requirement to have a Housing Strategy, however, in doing so the Council would not have a platform that would set out the priorities and actions that are needed to improve the supply and standard of housing in the Borough. This could also impact on how the Council aims to address the major issues of impacting upon local residents and communities including the increasing threat of homelessness and domestic abuse case.