Agenda item

Consultation on the Emerging Housing Strategy and Homelessness Strategy 2022

To receive a presentation in relation to the emerging Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2022.

Minutes:

The sub-committee received a presentation in relation to the emerging Housing Strategy and Homelessness Strategy 2022.  The presentation set out the background to the strategies, information on the profile of the borough and housing context, emerging themes and priorities for inclusion, and a timeline with next steps.

 

It was explained that national, regional and local frameworks and strategies needed to be taken into consideration and combined when developing a new Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention Strategy.

 

Members were presented with information related to the population of the borough and the make-up of housing stock.  The population of the borough had increased by 4% since 2011, from 200,800 to 209,000 in 2021.  The number of residents aged over 65 had increased by 21% since 2011 to 42,800.  The working population (15 to 64 years) had fallen by 1% to 131,000 over the last 10 years.  The total number of homes in the borough in 2015 was 95,730; this had increased to 99,500 in 2021.

 

The sub-committee was informed that there was a high demand for all types of housing in the borough, particularly for affordable housing, with over 5,000 households on the Housing Register (for Council Housing). 

 

In relation to homelessness, figures presented to the sub-committee demonstrated that homeless applications had increased since 2019/20, along with the number of temporary accommodation placements made.  Homeless applications in relation to domestic abuse had increased during the Covid 19 pandemic and had continued to do so.  This continuation in the increase of cases was attributed to more people being aware of how to report instances of domestic abuse and greater knowledge of recording the information. 

 

Members asked officers how people are informed that they are able to present as being at risk of homelessness.  It was explained that information was available on the Council’s website and on social media and that anyone could contact the housing team via phone or email.  Information was also available via the Customer Service Centres and referrals could also be made by nurses or GPs.

 

It was highlighted that the Housing Strategy for North Tyneside would support the Authority’s ambition to Build a Better North Tyneside by delivering the following key priorities:

·         5,000 affordable homes

·         Support the regeneration of the borough

·         Reduce derelict and empty properties

·         Low carbon homes

·         Continue to improve standards in the private rented sector

·         Prevent homelessness and meet specialist housing needs

·         Provide support and advice to tenants and residents

·         Create safe and welcoming communities and tackle anti-social behaviour

 

In relation to the theme of delivering more affordable homes and supporting regeneration, it was noted that proposed actions included increasing delivery through the North Tyneside Trading Company and an Affordability Plan to increase low-cost home ownership.  In relation to preventing homelessness and a specialist housing offer, proposed actions included a review of night shelter provision in the borough, further work with private sector landlords and increased support for the mental health and well-being of residents.

 

In relation to improving the private rented sector and tackling derelict and empty properties, actions included continuing to work with private landlords to drive up quality in the private rented sector and exploring options for a new Landlord Accreditation and Licensing Schemes.  In order to support carbon zero by 2030 some of the actions proposed were to improve the energy efficiency of the Council’s housing stock and maximise grant funding to deliver energy efficiency measures in homes across the borough.  In relation to supporting residents and improving communities, it was noted that support and advice would be provided to tackle fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.

 

Consultation on the emerging themes contained within the presentation would be undertaken between September and November 2022.  It was noted that the consultation would be pushed as wide as possible and would largely be online.  It would not just be council tenants but all residents that the consultation would be aimed at, as the strategy related to all housing need.  The aim was for final drafts of the new Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention Strategy to be completed by December 2022.  The strategies would be considered by Housing Sub-committee prior to approval from Cabinet.

 

It was agreed to note the information delivered in the presentation.

 

 

Supporting documents: