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.

That the Housing Strategy 2023-28 Action Plan at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

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.

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.