Decision

For the reasons set out in this report and its appendices, Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:

i)   The Council’s performance against the targets set out in the Housing Services Improvement Programme as set out in Appendix 1.

ii)  That the Council has entered into a voluntary undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing.

iii)  The adoption of the new Housing Diverse Needs Strategy attached at Appendix 2;

iv)  The summary of research and consultation report for the new Housing Diverse Needs Strategy, as set out in the Consultation Report at Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 respectively.

v)  The Equalities Impact Assessment for the new Housing Diverse Needs Strategy attached at Appendix 4.

Alternatives Considered

Do nothing: given the C4 rating, it is not possible for the Council to do nothing. Under the terms of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, the Council is required to comply with the Regulator’s judgement and reach compliance with the Consumer Standards. C4 and C3 ratings are non-compliant, so in order to achieve compliance, the Council would be required to meet a C2 or C1 grade.