Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose: To submit draft Housing Strategy to members for consideration.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place which sought approval of the Interim Housing Strategy 2025 – 2027 for the Borough of Rochdale.   The Head of Strategic Housing (Property) was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2027 would replace the previous Housing Strategy which was now out of date. Whilst the replacement strategy built on similar themes, it was produced within a new housing context and promoted a prevention-led holistic approach to providing strategic housing solutions into the future.   The Officer further informed that in 2022 Rochdale Council had declared a housing emergency; there was currently a national housing crisis and immediate focus was therefore required.   Given the immediate requirement for a new Rochdale housing strategy, the proposed Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2027 was based on primary strategic objectives and commitments, to work towards dealing with the immediate crisis within the next 3 years. It was intended that this strategy would be followed by a 10 year strategy, once certain milestones had been achieved and greater certainty on key strategic housing issues forthcoming.   The adopted two-stage approach would create strategic transparency and flexibility, to ensure the Council was best placed to develop key programmes based on a defined approach with operational contingency.   Resolved: 1.    That the two-stage strategic approach to producing a new Housing Strategy for the Borough of Rochdale be noted; 2.    That the adoption of the Interim Housing Strategy 2025-2027 be approved.   Reason for decision: There was a statutory requirement to produce a Housing Strategy; however, the primary impetus was to provide clarity to residents, officers, members, developers, partners and other key stakeholders as to the strategic direction the Council had adopted in relation to strategic housing, encompassing development and supply in particular.   Alternatives considered and rejected: It was a statutory requirement for a Local Authority to have a Housing Strategy under the Local Government Act 2003. The Housing Strategy should set out objectives, targets and policies on how the authority intends to manage and delivery its strategic housing role and provides an overarching framework against which the authority considers and formulates other policies on more specific housing issues.