Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report in respect of the progress on the delivery of the Housing Strategy Action Plan 2013 – 2016 for consideration and comment, the detail of which was set out in the supporting Essential Reference Paper.

The Housing Strategy and Development Manager advised that the 2013 – 2016 Housing Strategy was a high level strategy and the action plan looked to aid the Strategic Objectives in order to maximize the delivery of new affordable homes whilst ensuring the best use of existing housing.

The Housing Strategy and Development Manager stated that Officers were working to support the 3 strategic objectives, in particular working with registered providers and Parish Councils.  Officers had also been working with the Community Development Agency and there had been a lot of good work in respect of bringing empty properties back into use.

Members were advised that the strategy aimed to meet the needs of a growing elderly population as well as meeting the needs of vulnerable people and encouraging stronger communities.  Officers hoped to report back to Members at a later date with a draft housing strategy.

Councillor J Mayes sought and was given a detailed breakdown of the flexi care scheme in operation at Carlton Court.  Councillor N Symonds commented on whether similar schemes could be opened up across East Herts.

The Housing Strategy and Development Manager stated that this would have revenue implications for Hertfordshire County Council. East Herts Council was working strategically with the County Council to ensure that any future flexi care schemes were financially viable and were delivered in the right geographic locations, as they were very popular and a good accommodation model for older residents.

In response to a query from Councillor M Wood in respect of returning empty homes to use each year, the Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support advised that additional resources had been added to the empty homes team and an Officer was improving the data set and tracking progress year on year.

Members received the report and requested that a further report be submitted in 2015.

RESOLVED – the (A) progress made in respect of the Housing Strategy Action Plan 2013 – 2016 be noted; and

(B)   the Housing Strategy Action Plan be submitted to Community Scrutiny Committee in 2015.