Issue - meetings

Background:

This report introduced the Housing Strategy 2018-2022, which replaced the existing strategy approved by Cabinet in 2014 and set out Medway’s strategic approach for housing services and detailed how the Council would enable the delivery of these services. 

The strategy, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, detailed the Council’s planned response in meeting the housing needs of Medway’s residents and was designed around three strategic priorities:

·           Deliver homes that meet the identified need of Medway residents.

·           Improve the quality of homes and people’s lives.

·           Ensure people can access housing and services to keep them independent.

It was noted that the strategy had been developed based upon a comprehensive review and consideration of the national and local context; achievements and progress of the 2015-18 Housing Strategy; consultation with stakeholders; and needs analysis including the Strategic Housing Economic Needs Assessment 2015.

The Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered this report on 25 October 2018 and its comments and recommendations were detailed at section 5 of the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment screening form had been completed and was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

Reasons:

The reason to approve is to ensure that there is a shared and up to date understanding of Medway’s housing market and how gaps in housing and/or in housing related support services can be addressed.