Minute 616 (Cabinet Book 1 – Agenda Item 10 refers)

Called in by Councillors Norman MBE, Gilbert, Terry & Woodley

The Committee considered Minute 616 of Cabinet held on 9^th January 2018, which had been called in to Scrutiny, together with a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People). This set out the work underway to develop a ‘vision for housing in Southend’, incorporating the preparation of a progressive Housing Strategy and clear work plans and strategies relating to the key areas of homelessness prevention, rough sleeping, South Essex Homes, sheltered housing, allocations, and work with the private rented sector.

During consideration of this item, the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning & Sustainability advised that a petition had been presented to him regarding use of vacant retail spaces for the homeless and the next report to Cabinet will consider the petition. He also stated that he was minded to take steps to change the name of the Housing Working Party to include ‘homelessness’ in its title.

In response to a question from Councillor Wexham regarding the redevelopment of Seaway car park and residential development on this site, the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning & Sustainability said that he would provide a written response which would be circulated to all Members of the Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

“1.  That the proposed approach and timescales for the development of the Housing Vision and the Housing Strategy and the approaches and timescales for the development and delivery of other workstreams be endorsed.

2.  That the Director of Adult Services and Housing and the Director for Planning and Transport, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors and Council staff as appropriate, prepare the draft vision and strategy documents to be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet for approval.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Executive Councillors: Flewitt

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) setting out the work underway to develop a ‘vision for housing in Southend’, incorporating the preparation of a progressive Housing Strategy and clear work plans and strategies relating to the key areas of homelessness prevention, rough sleeping, South Essex Homes, sheltered housing, allocations, and work with the private rented sector.

Resolved:-

1.  That the proposed approach and timescales for the development of the Housing Vision and the Housing Strategy and the approaches and timescales for the development and delivery of other workstreams be endorsed.

2.  That the Director of Adult Services and Housing and the Director for Planning and Transport, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors and Council staff as appropriate, prepare the draft vision and strategy documents to be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet for approval.

Reason for Decision

A collective vision for housing is critical to providing context and coherence for strategy and policy decisions. The need for housing to be considered as an integral component of the Council’s work on behalf of local citizens and their changing demographics and needs is clear. Housing is central to the Council’s ambitions for economic development and the creation of jobs and enabling of a workforce, and to its aspirations as an emerging city with a broad and compelling offer

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillors: Flewitt

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) setting out the work underway to develop a ‘vision for housing in Southend’, incorporating the preparation of a progressive Housing Strategy and clear work plans and strategies relating to the key areas of homelessness prevention, rough sleeping, South Essex Homes, sheltered housing, allocations, and work with the private rented sector.

Resolved:-

1.  That the proposed approach and timescales for the development of the Housing Vision and the Housing Strategy and the approaches and timescales for the development and delivery of other workstreams be endorsed.

2.  That the Director of Adult Services and Housing and the Director for Planning and Transport, in consultation with the relevant Executive Councillors and Council staff as appropriate, prepare the draft vision and strategy documents to be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet for approval.

Reason for Decision

A collective vision for housing is critical to providing context and coherence for strategy and policy decisions. The need for housing to be considered as an integral component of the Council’s work on behalf of local citizens and their changing demographics and needs is clear. Housing is central to the Council’s ambitions for economic development and the creation of jobs and enabling of a workforce, and to its aspirations as an emerging city with a broad and compelling offer

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillors: Flewitt