Agenda item

Report attached.

The report before Members sought the input of the sub-committee in the vision and draft objectives of the proposed Housing Strategy and plans for consultation with a proposed timetable.

It was stated that the current housing strategy covered a successful period of delivering valuable services to residents but it was now recognised that a strategy was required to take into account the ever-changing environment.

The Sub-Committee noted that the council like many local authorities, faces huge challenges not only in housing but also in social care, health and other public services. The challenge was more demanding taking into account the potential impact on the Council from the covid-19 pandemic.

The report informed that the council was committed to tackling the ‘Housing Crisis’ both in providing the much needed new affordable homes for local people and supporting vulnerable members of society acquiring a home proud to live in.

Officers stated that building new homes remains a high priority to meet the needs of the fast growing population in Havering. The Council was taking pro-active approach to housing delivery, as it recognises the importance of ensuring that there was affordable homes for local people.

The council was working with partners to build new homes, with an ambitious 12 estates regeneration programme across existing council estates to revitalise Havering’s Housing and investing in building new communities.

In response to the definition of affordable homes for first time buyer. The sub-committee was informed that affordable homes would mean different things to an individual.

Members were informed that the proposal was for the council to deliver a new Housing Strategy for the 5-year period 2021–26. The strategy would form part of a joined up approach to tackling the housing challenges for all residents of Havering.

A member welcomed the joined up approach for a borough wide strategy to deliver homes.

The sub-committee whilst welcoming the strategy sought details on infrastructure for all the proposed new homes. In response members were informed that due diligence was been undertaken as part of pre application presentation for each housing development.

The report detailed that the underpinning principle to the new Housing Strategy remain a commitment to a borough that is Cleaner, Safer, Prouder, Together.

Members noted that a presentation on the draft vision and objectives for the Housing Strategy was made to Senior Leadership Team, Housing Resident Participation Panel, Councillors and the Health & Wellbeing Board.

Following these consultations, some amendments were made to the original draft objectives and this now formed the basis for a further consultation with other stakeholders and residents between December to February 2021.

Officers were seeking the involvement of the sub-committee in the ongoing consultation. A link to the consultation would be circulated to the sub-committee.

A Member suggested that provision of social infrastructure to supplement the new build be considered as a selling point.

A Member was of the opinion that the housing strategy should give priority to key workers and ex-service personal in the allocation of the new homes. In response officers encouraged members of the sub-committee to comment on the ongoing consultation.

The sub-committee noted the presentation.