Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods submitted a report that set out a review into the progress of actions to deliver the priorities of the Housing Strategy 2022-27 and invited Overview and Scrutiny Committee to make recommendations regarding performance against these actions to the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods thanked officers for their work in preparing the update, which was set out in detail at Appendix A. Members were advised that the Action Plan was structured around the following strategic priorities:

1.                 Delivery of additional affordable housing;

2.                 Enabling a wider range of accommodation;

3.                 Providing support for the most vulnerable residents; and

4.                 Delivering high-quality, sustainable housing options for older people suited to their needs.

5.                 Improve the sustainability and quality of homes.

The Executive Member of Neighbourhoods said that she was pleased with the progress that had been made on these priorities and particularly pleased about the new homes which had been provided at truly social rent.

A Member sought clarification on paragraph 1.3 (page 47) regarding the use of Section 106 (S106) commuted sums to reduce rents from affordable rent to social rent, noting uncertainty as to how this mechanism operated in practice.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods explained that S106 commuted sums were received from developers where on-site provision of affordable housing was not feasible. These funds were applied to housing provision, including in combination with Council resources and external funding (e.g. Homes England).

Members were advised that this enabled Registered Providers to deliver homes at lower cost, resulting in social rent levels. The Director for Communities further clarified that S106 funding may be used both to increase the number of affordable homes within schemes and to reduce rent levels for specific units.

Members highlighted concerns regarding the definition of affordability, noting that developer-led definitions did not always reflect local housing need. Concerns were also raised regarding the reduction of affordable housing provision through the planning process.

The Committee discussed the issue of empty properties and their potential to contribute towards temporary and affordable accommodation supply. The Director for Communities advised that data on empty homes was held through council tax records and examples of current initiatives, including the use of flats above shops for temporary accommodation.

Members also raised concerns regarding affordable housing provision in rural areas, particularly in relation to transport accessibility. The Director for Communities said that transport considerations were addressed through the planning process and that applicants retained some choice through choice-based lettings.

The Committee also commented on of the number of homes delivered at social rent through S106 subsidy, future actions to address empty properties, the continuation of housing strategy priorities beyond 2027, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Members were advised that a number of schemes have contributed to social rent provision to date, and that initial discussions with neighbouring authorities had commenced to ensure alignment of future strategies post LGR.

A Member raised a specific example of a long-term empty property and suggested consideration  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10