Issue - meetings

To consider progress with the action plan contained within the Housing Strategy as approved by Cabinet in October 2020.

The action plan formed part of the strategy from the previous administration and built on the positive elements with the aspirations of the new administration. It demonstrated the commitment made in the Corporate Plan, including bringing empty properties back into use and consideration of temporary modular housing. Invitations for Expressions of Interest to provide these had gone out, including  local providers. It was hoped that more funding from Homes England would be sought to provide affordable housing for local people. £1 million had been obtained to clean up three brownfield sites. There were currently 2485 people on the housing list and of these, 1249 needed one-bedroom accommodation. There were to be more Housing Board meetings looking at all available sites. There was concern that developers were not addressing local need and planning had been refused for some applications as they were not for the right type of housing.

In response to a query regarding whether the council was on course to meet the targets in the action plan, it was confirmed that Camp Hill was not currently progressing, however the Community Hub in Newport, Ryde Village and Green Meadows in Freshwater had been delivered. Other projects were generally on track for delivery.

More information was requested on the Tenancy Academy mentioned by the Assistant Director of Regeneration.

RESOLVED:

i)       To note the progress made to date and include a further report in the Committee’s workplan for 5 May 2022.

That the Assistant Director of Regeneration (Housing) circulate details of the proposed tenancy training to the Committee

To consider progress with the action plan contained within the Housing Strategy as approved by Cabinet in October 2020.