Agenda item
Cabinet Members Overview of Housing and Regeneration Priorities for 2023/24
TO FOLLOW
Minutes:
Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, provided reflections from last year and outlined the key priorities for municipal year 2023/24.
Councillor Ahmed emphasised the councils commitment to delivering the key priorities to ensure safe and affordable housing for borough residents. This included;
o Housing supply,
o Housing management planning
o Place based regeneration
o Safety and compliance
o Homelessness and rough sleeping
The key priorities incorporated in the OSC forward program, which align with the Local plan to manage borough development were outlined for members. These include a progress review of the affordable homes delivery target, a review of the customer journey for homeless residents or those facing homelessness, continual management of risk as Tower Hamlets Homes move in-house and the response to the Social Housing Regulations Act 2023.
Further to questions from the sub-committee, Councillor Kabir Ahmed and Karen Swift, Director of Housing:
· Clarified that the high demand for housing outweighs supply throughout the country.
· Confirmed that sites for modular homes are located on Landon Walk in Poplar. Work has begun in Candy Street. A written brief can be submitted to members for review.
· Noted that private renters issue with a section 21 eviction notice is resulting in more approaches to the homelessness service. Due to the lack of housing stock within the borough, some families are being housed in locations outside Tower Hamlets. Work with landlords takes place to halt notices. The Private Reform Bill will assist as no fault evictions will be banned. For further details see item 6.2.
· Confirmed that the cost of materials and construction is having a detrimental impact on council finances. Homeless households in emergency situations are being housed in commercial hotels.
· Noted that the PRS is vital to managing homelessness within the borough and incentives for Landlords are in place, with an insurance offer. However, there are still challenges as less than 2% of listings are affordable to local housing allowance claimants and buy to let properties are decreasing. Landlords are moving away from providing temporary accommodation, due to increased costs, energy efficiency targets that need to be met and the removal of tax breaks.
· Confirmed that a review of the Homelessness Strategy has been completed which evaluates the last five years. Consideration of where to house homeless households may be included in a future strategy and the placement policy will also be reviewed. 52% of temporary accommodation is within the borough and the remaining outside. Of those outside, 85% they are in neighbouring boroughs
· Clarified that there are currently 249 families in bed and breakfast hotels in the borough, with 168 placed longer than six weeks.
· Noted that direct delivery of housing stock and buy backs are being considered, as well as section 106 agreements with developers to further invest in affordable housing.
· Confirmed that a budget of £1.8 million has been agreed for an extra 22 staff members, the council will contact all leaseholders to encourage those considering letting properties to work directly with Tower Hamlets. Publicity on this is taking place now.
· Confirmed that an open day took place on 11.09.23 for developers and social housing partners.
Following comments from Councillor Kabir Ahmed and Karen Swift, the sub committee;
· Requested details of properties bought by the council on the open market for use as temporary accommodation.
· Requested homelessness referral figures, temporary accommodation and placement details in and out of the borough to be brought to the sub-committee for review.
RESOLVED that:
1. Details of properties bought by the council on the open market for use as temporary accommodation to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.
2. A written brief of modular homes located in the borough to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.
3. A written update on the homelessness referral figures, temporary accommodation and placement details in and out of the borough and improvement measures to be brought to the sub-committee for review.
4. The presentation be noted.
Supporting documents: