Agenda item

To consider the report which provided a final position statement for the three-year strategy period between April 2022 – March 2025.

Consideration was given to the Housing Strategy 2022-25 which was approved by Cabinet in June 2022 and published in July 2022.

The Chair invited Councillor Beresford, Cabinet Member, to introduce where it was highlighted the Strategy recognised the key issues affecting housing in Rotherham and the impact these have on residents.  It set out how the Council would work in partnership to address the priorities identified.

The Housing Strategy was being refreshed, subject to Cabinet approval towards the end of the year. This report was presented for information and provided a final position statement for the three-year strategy period between April 2022 – March 2025 and was presented to this Commission annually.

The thirty year vision was set to provide high quality homes and this Council wanted to be the best provider to reduce the gap for healthy and vibrant communities.  This would ensure people were living in energy efficient homes, would revitalise the town centre and provide a real community of living.

Sarah Watts, Strategic Housing Manager, delivered a presentation via Powerpoint which highlighted:-

• The thirty year vision.
• Local Context.
• Six key priorities for the 22-25 period:-

v   High quality new homes.

v   Affordable homes to meet local need.

v   Investing in existing homes.

v   Bringing empty homes back into use.

v   Supporting people to live independently.

v   Strengthening communities.

• Achievements against each of the six priorities.
• Housing Strategy Next Steps.

A discussion and question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and clarified:-

·              There had been tremendous work done with incredible achievements and Members were proud how this had moved on.  What were the biggest challenges to achieving those policy areas and what had been the learning from this that would shape the future.  Officers confirmed the development programme was an ongoing challenge as it was ambitious with the delivery of homes in the current climate, with increases and the need to weigh up value for money in the building of high quality homes.  The sector was under scrutiny from the Regulator of Social Housing, so it was a balance between providing the new homes needed and the need to invest in existing homes, whilst still losing stock via Right To Buy  for the investment into existing homes. 

The Social Housing Regulation Act was a real challenge with HRA investment going into making homes safe. There was only so much funding available.  The Regulator expectations were high and the Council would be subject to inspection in the next few years.

·              How many new homes had been built in the last three years but then bought through the Right To Buy Scheme.  Officers did not have this figure to hand and would provide this in writing.

·              Clarification was sought and provided on banning orders and how  Cabinet approved the policy in 2022 giving the Enforcement Team the tools for persistent offenders when all other actions had failed.

·              Empty homes enforcement tools were available, what were these.  It was reported these were enforcement tools against non-compliant owners and landlords and were a last resort for things such as compulsory purchase or working being undertaken and recharged back.

·              Output and achievements had increased overall with a programme of support for tenants and residents.  This had seen 581 accredited training and helping others into employment.  Was this done by Housing or part of the  Employment Solutions Team.  It was noted this was historically Employment Solutions, but this had now moved under another portfolio.

·              Over the past three years had anything been included about housing complaints about stock and would this be included going forward.  Officers confirmed this was not part of the Strategy.  Complaints related to day-to-day operations and were monitored through Housing SMT’s to ensure complaints were dealt with effectively.

Complaints monitored and overseen on a monthly basis.  The Annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey measured feedback and is regulated and the Housing Ombudsman monitored performance.  There had been nothing over the last three years, but it remained challenging in  dealing with higher expectation and problems being encountered.  Complaints were also monitored and shared with the Cabinet Member.

·              Following consultation was there anything in the current Strategy that was surprising or that would continue into the new Strategy.  It was reported consultation was based on looking at the six themes, to check if they were relevant and if there was any different emphasis.  Priorities remained similar in that there was a need for more affordable homes, options and opportunities and housing that met need.  The new Strategy provided different emphasis on the priorities and the proposal was for four priority areas rather than the six.  This would aid to balance investing in new and existing homes and ensure the balance was right.  The key was to working effectively with partners and other stakeholders.

·              During the consultation process was there any change with the change of Government and funding.  Officers confirmed work would continue with  SYMCA and Homes England to ensure a good evidence base and be able to move quickly when investment was available.  Much of the funding was from the HRA generated from tenants which was used to reinvest and ensure housing need was met.

The new business plan had followed due process and through new standards the Council would need to see how efficient the HRA was and in the collection of rents.  Priorities would be presented to Members in terms of improvements and new build and investment into the assets.

·              With the development of thirty-two bungalows was there an opp0ortunity to go out to the market to find developments who could building specific developments especially with the lack of certain provision.  One of the barriers was people moving into a smaller property and having to move out of their support network.  Could the Council look to build more bungalows.  Officers confirmed this was factored into development programmes, but bungalows were land hungry.  Demand had to be balanced with the need for family housing too.

·              Housing development in the town centre, had consideration been given to the development of the Howard Building which would easily lend itself to apartments.  It was noted the Howard Building was in private ownership and some enforcement for clean up had been in force.  The next phases for regeneration for the town centre would look at all opportunities available, including bring buildings back into use.

·              Where housing schemes had stalled where land was available for housing had an outline application been submitted when there was borough wide opposition by local residents.  If the work developing green spaces was causing that much backlash how would this affect the Council moving forward.  It was noted that the Council had a requirement for new homes and whilst there was some local resistance sites like Bassingthorpe Farm would take into account type and infrastructure links.

It was also noted a new supplementary planning document was due to be presented to the Cabinet in September for approval which set the framework for the detailed assessment.  Regular conversations were taking place with Fitzwilliam Estates and it was about all working together to bring the site forward. 

With the experimental homes was there any missed opportunities that did not go forward.  Officers confirmed there was talk of a community led housing project in Eastwood.  This did get started with two properties with an exemplar landlord which eventually was developed as social housing and was Government funded.  The second phase was not supported, but where there was an opportunity to discuss further this would be investigated.

Resolved:-  (1)  That progress against the Housing Strategy priorities be received and noted.

(2) That the Improving Places Select Commission continue to receive annual progress reports for the Housing Strategy.

(3)  That data be provided on new housing properties bought through the Right to Buy Scheme.