Issue - meetings

That:

1)  It was noted that a consultation process had been undertaken with relevant stakeholders.  A summary of these consultations and responses were included in the report and Appendix B to the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services.  The Government changes to National Policy in the Housing and Planning Bill were also noted;

2)  Following extensive research, analysis and consultation, the Key Priority Themes and stated outcomes identified for the new Maidstone Housing Strategy 2016-2020 be approved;

3)  Delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Community Services to develop the Action Plan (as attached at Appendix A to the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services) and final Maidstone Housing Strategy document, before it is presented to Policy and Resources Committee and full Council for adoption; and

4)  The first phase of actions that the Council can commence in order to address the current housing situation in the first year of the new Maidstone Housing Strategy be approved.

Members considered the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services which gave an update following the consultation process that  had been undertaken with relevant stakeholders through two workshops held in December 2015.

In response to Members’ questions:-

i)  The Head of Housing and Community Services advised that the NHS were not among those consulted.  However, KCC’s Health Commissioning Services and the West Kent Health and Wellbeing Board were consulted;

ii)  It was noted that 102 people responded on line to the consultation; and

iii)  The onus is on Developers to determine what would be categorised as a starter home.

RESOLVED: That:

1)  The Committee noted that a consultation process had been undertaken with relevant stakeholders.  A summary of these consultations and responses were included in the report and Appendix B to the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services.  The Government changes to National Policy in the Housing and Planning Bill were also noted;

2)  The Committee agreed that following extensive research, analysis and consultation, the Key Priority Themes and stated outcomes identified for the new Maidstone Housing Strategy 2016-2020 be approved;

3)  The Committee gives delegated authority to the Head of Housing and Community Services to develop the Action Plan (as attached at Appendix A to the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services) and final Maidstone Housing Strategy document, before it is presented to Policy and Resources Committee and full Council for adoption; and

4)  The Committee endorses the first phase of actions that the Council can commence in order to address the current housing situation in the first year of the new Maidstone Housing Strategy.

Voting:  For:  7  Against:  0  Abstentions:  0