Issue - meetings

The Board received a report that provided an overview of the new Haringey Housing Strategy 2009-10 and how this was being developed.

The Strategy was a Partnership document and its development was being led by the Integrated Housing Board. It would form the overarching strategy and the overall framework for a number of other strategies addressing Homelessness, Affordable Warmth, Private Sector Housing and Older People’s Housing.

In developing the Strategy a number of a number of stakeholders forums had been consulted and the draft strategy was available online. In addition, each of the HSP Thematic Boards and Area Assemblies were also being asked to consider and comments on the Strategy.

The Board discussed the draft Strategy and the link drawn between housing and employment was welcomed. It was suggested that Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and other local organisations, may be able to provide additional support in a similar way to the Haringey Guarantee and that this should be considered and reflected in the document if appropriate.

There was agreement that further discussion should take place outside the meeting with a view to taking this forward.

In response to a suggestion that the Strategy should make reference to the use of local contractors the Chair reminded advised that procurement issues would be handled within a separate procurement policy. The purpose of this strategy was to provide a strategic overview of Housing priorities and the framework within which these should be delivered.

The Board was advised that there was provision within existing polices to ensure that local contractors were able to participate in the tendering process and there was agreement that this document and any other relevant polices should be circulated to Voluntary and Community Sector members for reference.

It was noted that a significant proportion of the BME Community in Haringey was comprised of Turkish and Kurdish residents and it was requested that the document should be amended to reflect this.

RESOLVED:

1. That the development of the Housing Strategy be noted.

2. That the comments made by the Board be taken into consideration in the drafting of the final document.

3. That information in relation to the procurement policy attached to the strategy be circulated to members of the Board that had expressed an interest in it.