Issue - meetings

That Cabinet agree the seven actions identified in this report aimed at increasing the amount of family housing available to the borough’s current and future residents.

Councillor Frances Umeh (Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness) introduced the report which set out seven actions the Council could take to increase the amount of family housing available to all people in housing need in the borough for affordable and market purposes.

Councillor Adronie Alford said it was essential the Council increased the supply of family housing but cautioned against buying up too many homes and causing house prices to rise.

Councillor Umeh said the Council needed to address the overwhelming demand for family housing, noting the national housing crisis which had been fuelled by austerity. She said the Council needed to meet demand.

Councillor Alford agreed that housing was needed, but encouraged the Council to think about ways to market sheltered housing and downsizing to free up capacity. Councillor Umeh said the Council had one of most attractive downsizing offers, but needed to be realistic and meet people where they were.

RESOLVED

1. That Cabinet agree the seven actions identified in this report aimed at increasing the amount of family housing available to the borough’s current and future residents