Issue - meetings

To endorse the Council’s participation in the Housing Partnership Plan.

The Committee received a report which outlined the Memorandum of Understanding and the Worcestershire Housing Partnership Plan, both of which had been developed, together with partners, by the Worcestershire Strategic Housing Partnership (WSHP) and were subject to a 10-week consultation which ended on 31st December 2016.

Officers presented the report and explained the background to the WSHP.  The group aimed to develop, lead and drive the Worcestershire strategies and strategic plans which related to housing, housing-related support needs and the growth and economic success agenda to ensure a joined-up approach across the county.  A more joined-up approach should then enable agencies to use their resources more efficiently in the future.  The vision for the Partnership Plan was “the right home environment is essential to health, wealth and wellbeing throughout life”, with the vision being supported by three key priorities as detailed in the report.

Whilst Members supported the Plan a concern was raised that various references were made in this to affordable housing, but that there were no references to social housing, which were two separate things.  A Member also expressed disappointment that Redditch Co-operative Homes were reportedly unaware of the existence of the Plan.  Officers agreed to take Members’ comments back to the Council’s Chief Executive.

RESOLVED that

1)          the Worcestershire Housing Partnership Plan be endorsed; and

2)          the Worcestershire Memorandum of Understanding be agreed.

(During the consideration of this matter, Councillor Pat Witherspoon declared an Other Disclosable Interest in this item by virtue of her being one of the Council’s representatives on Redditch Co-operative Homes, and remained in the room during the consideration of this.)