Contact your Parish Council
MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
RECORD OF DECISION OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING AND HEALTH
Decision Made: 26 July 2023
|
Housing Strategy 2023 - 28 Action Plan
|
|
Issue for Decision
To seek approval of the Housing Strategy 2023-28 Action Plan, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, following approval of the Housing Strategy that was adopted by the (then) Executive on 22 March 2023 which has been used to inform the development of the Action Plan.
|
|
Decision Made
That the Housing Strategy 2023-28 Action Plan at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.
|
|
Reasons for Decision
The Housing Strategy is a document that sets out the Council’s vision and intention to ensure that the Council is tackling the major housing challenges facing the district. It supports the strategic ambition of the Council to be a “Vibrant, prosperous, urban and rural community at the heart of Kent where everyone can realise their potential”.
The Housing Strategy contains three priorities;
· Priority 1: To deliver a mixture of housing types and tenures which are affordable and meet the needs of everyone in the borough.
· Priority 2: To ensure existing homes meet the decent homes standard, are energy efficient and safe, to enable healthy, independent living.
· Priority 3: To secure the very best support and housing outcomes for Maidstone’s most vulnerable groups
The Housing Strategy 2023 - 2028 was formerly adopted by the Executive on 22 March 2023. The Strategy document was used to inform the development of the Action Plan.
The Action Plan brings together feedback from Officers, Members and Stakeholders including members of the public and will support the Council’s aspiration in the Strategic Plan to:
· Reduce rough sleeping in a sustainable way · Reduce the use of temporary accommodation for homeless families · Improve housing through use of our statutory powers to promote good health and wellbeing
The matter was considered by the Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee at its meeting on 11 July 2023 and the Committee supported the decision.
|
|
Alternatives considered and why rejected
To not adopt the Action Plan, but this is not recommended as this would not assist the Council to determine whether its Housing Strategy is having the positive impact that is contained within its vision to tackle the major housing challenges across the district.
A failure to adopt a robust action plan for the Housing Strategy would increase the risk of the Council not meeting its strategic and statutory duties in relation to its housing functions.
|
|
Background Papers
Housing Strategy 2023-2028.
|
|
I have read and approved the above decision for the reasons (including possible alternative options rejected) as set out above.
Signed:__________ Councillor Lottie Parfitt-Reid, Cabinet Member for Housing and Health
|
___________________
|
Full details of both the report for the decision taken above and any consideration by the relevant Policy Advisory Committee can be found at the following area of the website
Call-In: Should you be concerned about this decision and wish to call it in, please submit a call-in form signed by any three Members to the Proper Officer by: 5pm on Wednesday 2 August 2023. |