Issue - meetings

To seek approval of the draft Private Sector Housing Strategy and Action Plan.

(Report attached – Appendices available through the internet and in Group Rooms)

RECOMMENDED that

the Private Sector Housing Strategy, as included at Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

The Committee received a report that sought approval and adoption of the Private Sector Housing Strategy and Action Plan, which would replace the Private Sector Housing Strategy 2004.

Officers reported that a stock modelling survey of private housing (all non-social) had been completed in April 2009 by Building Research Establishment (BRE).  Based on the evidence from the survey significant issues had been identified in the older areas of the Borough and hot spots in part of the former new town areas.  The areas of most need had been identified as the older dwellings in Central and adjacent wards of Lodge Park and Abbey.

Members were informed that a survey had been carried out during the summer of 2009 with private tenants, landlords and owner-occupiers to identify which private sector housing services were seen as a priority.

Resident’s priorities had been identified as follows:

1)                 assistance to low-income households on property maintenance and helping arrange subsidised loans;

2)                 returning empty properties back to use;

3)                 helping older people and people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes by providing stairlifts, wider doorways etc.; and

4)                 advice on reducing energy use and combating fuel poverty.

Officers reported that the main strategic aims of the strategy were:

a)                 improve housing conditions in the private sector; and

b)                 give support and advice to private sector tenants and vulnerable households.

RECOMMENDED that

the Private Sector Housing Strategy, as included at Appendix A to the report, be adopted.