Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report setting out progress achieved against targets contained in the action plan which accompanies the Housing Strategy 2006-2011. Members were reminded that there was also a separate action plan which monitored progress made against the weaknesses identified by the Audit Commission in their last inspection. A re-inspection of Strategic Housing was due to take place in February 2008. It was noted that a half term review of the Housing Strategy would be undertaken during 2008 to include consultation with stakeholders on progress, outcomes and new actions which had been developed with a view to these being formally incorporated into the existing action plan.  

Members raised issues on the four key priorities within the Strategy and in particular focussed on the area of affordable housing provision and the challenge of meeting targets in view of current planning policies and the prevailing market forces. Further member training was to take place to assist with the understanding of affordable housing issues and the role of Strategic Housing.

RESOLVED  that the contents of the report be noted.

RECOMMENDED

(a)       that the Cabinet be requested to instruct the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing to work with the Strategic Housing Manager to develop and bring forward to Cabinet a report on the introduction of an Enforcement Policy and fee structure in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation and other regulatory issues;

(b)       that with regard to the action involving research into the health needs of homeless people and their ability to access health services, a further request be made to the Primary Care Trust for a representative of the Trust to become a member of the Homelessness Strategy Steering Group and the issue also be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Group of the Local Strategic Partnership with a request that they work in conjunction with the Steering Group on this matter.