Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)              The Horsham District Council Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2026-2030 be approved as set out in the addendum to the report;   ii)             The publication of the Strategy on the Council’s website be approved; and   iii)           Authority be delegated to the Director of Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities to make such minor changes to the Strategy as may be required, as part of the annual review or otherwise, and to arrange for the same to be published on the Council’s website.     REASONS   i)              The Council has a statutory responsibility to publish a Homelessness Strategy every five years, showing how the Council prevents and tackles homelessness. The Housing and Homelessness Strategy includes an Action Plan, as suggested by statutory guidance.   ii)             As well as setting out the Council’s vision for preventing and relieving homelessness, the Strategy also addresses the need to provide affordable homes to meet local need.   iii)           The Strategy is aligned with the objectives of the Council’s Annual Plan, Local Plan, and relevant legislation, such as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Homes England Social and Affordable Homes Programme.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   The Council’s current Housing and Homelessness Strategy is due to expire in 2026. Due to the statutory requirement to publish a Homelessness Strategy every five years, the Council would not be fulfilling its statutory obligations if the current Strategy was not replaced.