Purpose

Report
summarises a Consultants view and recommendations of the affordable
housing delivery options available to the Council and makes
recommendations for the approach to the delivery of affordable
housing in the borough.

Decision

RESOLVED –

 

That the Council’s approach to the delivery of
affordable housing within the borough should
be through its role as an affordable housing enabler, engaging with
landowners, developers, and Register Provider social landlords,
instead of taking a direct approach to develop or acquire
affordable housing be approved.

 

To continue to  support
the delivery of affordable housing within the borough, proactively
engaging with stakeholders at pre and post planning, and through
the utilisation of section 106 affordable housing contributions
held by the Council, in accordance with the adopted Commuted Sums
Spending Policy be approved.

 

That the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities be
authorised to approve the spending of any section 106 affordable
housing commuted sums currently held by the Council and sums yet to
be collected arising from any planning obligations, to enable the
delivery of affordable housing within the borough be
approved.

 

That the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in
consultation with the Head of the Legal Partnership be authorised
to approve all legal documentation, including grant agreements with
any Private Register Provider of social housing, associated with
the recommendations in 1 to 3 above be approved.

 

That the additional recommendation from the Cabinet
Advisory Board, in particular the existing policies on affordable
housing, the potential to use Council owned land and the importance
of ensuring direct provision was picked up through discussions on
Local Government Reorganisation, be noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISION:
To continue to focus on the Council’s role as
an affordable housing enabler to help deliver affordable
housing.