Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision Made

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 26, 2025

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.

Content: 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.