Agenda item

E.103/21

The Executive was presented with a report that reviewed progress made to date against the themes and priorities during the first year of the Housing Strategy and provided the new draft delivery plan for the second year. The report also sought approval for the adoption of the Joint South Hams and West Devon Homelessness Strategy 2022-27 and Joint Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2022-23.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

(a)      In recognising the importance of downsizing to free-up additional housing, the need to both develop smaller accommodation and to offer incentives to downsize were noted;

(b)      With regard to the action relating to the establishment of a Community Benefit Society with Registered Provider status, the request was made for swift progress to be made in order to enable for the development and delivery of affordable housing in the South Hams;

(c)       Officers apologised for the incorrect initial publication of the appendices and reference was made to the correct versions having been uploaded as a supplementary paper to the agenda.  A Member expressed his personal view that the format of the report (i.e. being divided into two parts: the Housing Strategy Action Plan and the Homelessness Strategy) was unhelpful and he felt that the two items should have been standalone individual agenda items.

It was then:

RESOLVED

For Part 1 – Housing Strategy Year 2 Action Plan:

1.         That progress made to date on ‘Better Homes, Better Lives’ be noted; and

2.         That the Year 2 Action Plan be endorsed; and

For Part 2 – 2022/27 Homelessness Strategy:

3.         That, with effect from 1 April 2022, the Joint South Hams and West Devon Homelessness Strategy 2022-27 be adopted; and

4.         That, with effect from 1 April 2022, the Joint Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2022-23 be adopted.