Issue - meetings

          The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities on a draft of Halton’s Housing Strategy 2013-18, for public consultation.

          The Board was advised that the Local Government Act 2003 required local authorities to produce a housing strategy, to give an overview of housing in their district and to set out priorities for action. The strategic housing role was defined in the document Homes For the Future (2007) as providing “leadership, planning and delivery”.

          It was noted that there had been significant achievements since the last Housing Strategy was published in 2008, and these were detailed in the report. The Draft Housing Strategy 2013-18 had taken a slightly different approach from previous years, in that two documents had been produced. These were attached to the report, the first being a short easy to read document which focused on the strategic objectives, priorities and planned activities for the next three years (Appendix A)  and a supported evidence paper setting out the context in which the Strategy had been developed (Appendix B).

          The Draft Strategy contained three overarching strategic objectives with priorities within each, as set out in the report. It will be the subject of a seven week consultation period with partners, stakeholders and residents.

Reason(s) for Decision

Under Part 7 of the Local Government Act 2003, local authorities were expected to produce a Housing Strategy, which gave an overview of housing in their district and set out priorities for action.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

May 2013.

          RESOLVED: That the content of the Draft Housing Strategy be approved and the arrangements for public consultation, as outlined in paragraph 3.4.1 of the report, be noted.