96 CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES (0.10.26) PDF 450 KB
Members to receive an update from the Cabinet Member for Housing.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services explained that his *report provided details of all aspects of the service and how it had coped during the pandemic to keep both the public and staff safe. He stated he wanted to acknowledge the tremendous work being done by the teams and gave thanks to Cllr Clist for his previous work with the portfolio.
In response to a question asked about the number of empty homes currently not in use in the District he stated that the exact number varied month on month. He explained that the full effect of the pandemic and the number of evictions which may occur were not known at this time but on average 500 properties were currently empty and unoccupied. He stated that the average cost of bringing a property back into use would be provided to Members.
He confirmed to Members that the strategy for garage repairs would be provided separately.
In response to various questions about the current housing stock and the shortage of 3 bedroom houses, he explained that the Council was currently working on a new housing strategy which would identify what type of housing was required and where the need was. He confirmed that the timeline for the strategy would be June 2021 at which time it would be presented to Members.
Consideration was given to:
· The amount of time it took to rehome homeless people and that this was dependant on the type of accommodation required and the individual circumstances
· The Council was working with private landlords in Cullompton to increase the supply of quality housing above shops in the town centre. This strategy may be replicated in the other towns if successful, subject to funding
· The number and value of Home Improvement Loans (Wessex Scheme) delivered in 2019/2020
· The number of empty units in Market Walk, Tiverton and the negative appearance of the empty shop fronts
· The number of businesses closing due to high rents charged by private landlords for commercial properties in the towns and the limited assistance that the Council could provide
· The Asset Management Plan included policies on biodiversity and climate change to align with the Council’s corporate aims
· The effect the pandemic would have on homeless figures and how the Council would deal with this
Note: *Reports previously circulated and attached to the minutes