Issue - decisions
Proactive Delivery of Affordable Housing
15/12/2023 - Proactive Delivery of Affordable Housing
The purpose of the report was to outline the Council’s aspiration for a more proactive approach to increasing the supply of affordable housing within the district, outline how this can be achieved, and the resources required.
The Leader Councillor Joe Harris introduced the report and outlined the following points:
· The Leader noted the ambition of the administration to deliver affordable housing and social rented homes within the District.
· It was noted that good progress is being made with a council site in Down Ampney for social rented homes schemes working in partnership with Bromford Housing.
· It was highlighted that whilst the Council did not have its own housing stock, the report was seeking other options to deliver upon the strategy to obtain high quality affordable homes.
· It was noted that the employment of a Strategic Housing and Development officer in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council would help to deliver these aims in partnership with housing organisations.
· It was also noted the waiting lists for social housing show a need for housing within the District.
There were questions around the identification of empty homes and work with private landlords to deliver affordable homes. The Leader noted that the powers of the Council were limited, but that the Council would seek to work with private landlords to develop affordable housing in communities. On the issue of empty homes, it was noted that the new officer would work to develop an action plan on empty homes.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Spivey.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet
1. AGREED to explore innovative and proactive models to enhance the council’s ability to increase the supply of affordable homes within the district.
Record of Voting – For: 8, Against 0, Abstention 0, Absent: 0
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For |
Against |
Abstain |
Absent/Did not vote |
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Claire Bloomer |
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Joe Harris |
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Juliet Layton |
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Lisa Spivey |
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Mike Evemy |
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Mike McKeown |
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Paul Hodgkinson |
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Tony Dale |
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