Issue - meetings

Report DRR20/008

Members reviewed responses to the Council’s six-week public consultation on the new draft housing strategy which took place following Executive approval.

Once adopted, an action plan would be developed for delivery of the priorities set out in the Housing Strategy.

In response to a question, the Head of Compliance and Strategy confirmed that the consultation documents did not set out options for key priorities instead the key priorities were identified from the consultation responses.

Members noted that some of the data reflected in the draft strategy, particularly data concerning building and development would needed to be reviewed and updated prior to publication of the final strategy.  It was also suggested that further research should be undertaken into the estimated increase in the population in the next 20 years.

A Member also noted that there was nothing within the Strategy concerning utilising vacant units above shops in the High Street.

Responding to a question about the impact of responses to the consultation, the Head of Compliance and Strategy explained that the low response rate to the consultation had been disappointing.  However, it was clear from the responses that had been received that people were keen for more houses to be built but the building had to be done in the right way (e.g. respecting the Green Belt etc.).  A number of responders suggested that Bromley  should be stockholding and should manage a small proportion of its own housing.  The Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration confirmed that a number of options arising from the consultation would be given consideration.

Noting that Bromley was the 8^th most populated borough in London, a Member asked to be provided with details of the other 7 boroughs following the meeting.  The Member also asked to be provided with details of the borough which had the lowest out of work benefit claimant count in London.

Referring to the “Setting the scene” box on the first page of the draft Housing Strategy, a Member suggested the following amendments, noting that the housing pressures in Bromley were associated with affordable housing:

·  Bromley is experiencing severe affordable housing pressures.

·  Although the Borough had managed to deliver slightly above its current target for new homes in recent years, demand for affordable housing dramatically outstrips supply…

In response to a question, the Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration confirmed that there were approximately 18,000 people living in the socially rented sector.

In response to a question concerning whether the Council held any data in relation to the number of genuine parental evictions per annum, the Assistant Director of Housing explained that whilst the Department did not hold that data there was a lot of preventative and mediation work.  If Officers felt that any application was fraudulent appropriate action would be taken however, many families receiving support were genuinely experiencing issues as a result of struggling to live in overcrowded accommodation.

RESOLVED that

1. The findings from the housing strategy consultation be noted and that thereafter an action plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49