Agenda item

The approach and key principles for the development of a new Haringey Housing Strategy (2015-2020) were agreed at Cabinet on 14/10/14. 

The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny panel is being consulted as part of the public consultation exercise agreed as part of this strategy development process.

10.1    The panel received a presentation on the principles and process for agreeing a new housing strategy for Haringey.

10.2    Whilst the panel acknowledged that the housing strategy contained the overall strategic framework for the development of housing services it sought clarification of when more detailed sub-strategies and action plans would be published following agreement of the overarching housing strategy (e.g. policy regarding selective licensing of private landlords, older peoples housing strategy, design guides etc).

Agreed: The panel requested a list of those sub strategies/ delivery plans that ‘fall’ from the overarching Housing Strategy with their approximate dates for completion/ publication

10.3    The panel were concerned that given the level of housing needs in the borough, there was no explicit priority in the strategy at present given to increasing the provision of housing in the social rented sector.  It was noted that this is a draft of the strategy and could yet be included in a final strategy depending on the consultation feedback received. It was noted that there was a manifesto commitment to increase social housing no intention of reducing the level of such stock.  Similarly, given the ambition to create mixed and diverse communities, the council would support the delivery of all tenures of stock where appropriately planned.

10.4    The panel discussed the Estate Renewal Programme and the number of affordable shared ownership properties available in these schemes.  There was some discussion as to what constitutes affordable housing and in reality, how affordable these were to local residents, particularly as this may require an income of £60-80k.  The Panel noted that in respect of Love Lane Estate Regeneration all those residents that would be moved would be re-provided within the new build programme at the same site.

10.5    In respect of the planned consultation for the Housing Strategy, it was suggested that given the importance of this strategy and its implications for all households (irrespective of tenure) this should include all residents.  In addition, the consultation framework should include Homezone, those on the Housing Register email and should maximise the contacts and networks of local councillors.

Agreed: The panel recommended that the consultation framework should be extended so as to reach a wider audience, in particular residents from wider range of tenures, as well as those with specific housing needs and should incorporate the use of: Home Zone, Housing Register email and Haringey People.  The panel also recommended that the networks and contacts of local Councillors should be utilised within the consultation process.

10.6    The panel sought clarification as to whether the Council had applied for £60m of funding that was available through the Greater London Assembly for the Care and Support. It was noted that whilst the Council had not applied directly, it had supported the bid of a local RHP.

Agreed: The panel will collate its responses to the Haringey Housing Strategy and formally submit these to the consultation and Cabinet member.

Agreed:  A report would be provided back to scrutiny as to the outcome of the Housing Strategy consultation and completion of the actual strategy.