The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AE”) presents the revised housing strategy, ‘A Place to Call Home, A Place to Thrive, Housing Strategy for Bradford District, 2020-2030’. The strategy sets out the vision, priorities, challenges and approach for meeting the housing needs of the residents of the district. The strategy is a high-level strategic document for the Council and its partners to follow when developing and delivering housing policies, plans, and delivery programmes. 

Recommended –

(1)       That the housing strategy, “A Place to Call Home, A Place

            To Thrive, Housing Strategy for the District, 2020-2030’ be           endorsed and recommended to full Council for approval.

(2)       That the support provided by partners in developing the strategy, be noted and the significant contribution that will be provided by housing and other partners in implementing the strategy be acknowledged.

(3)       That the importance of a strong and effective Housing Partnership which will play a vital role in monitoring, reviewing and reporting on measures contained within the strategy be noted.

(4)       That the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the        Portfolio Holder, is delegated authority to undertake

            monitoring   and implementation of this strategy.

(Yusuf Karolia - 01274 434362)

Resolved –

(1)       That the housing strategy, “A Place to Call Home, A Place

            To Thrive, Housing Strategy for the District, 2020-2030’ be           endorsed and recommended to full Council for approval.

(2)       That the support provided by partners in developing the strategy, be noted and the significant contribution that will be provided by housing and other partners in implementing the strategy be acknowledged.

(3)       That the importance of a strong and effective Housing Partnership which will play a vital role in monitoring, reviewing and reporting on measures contained within the strategy be noted.

(4)       That the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the        Portfolio Holder, is delegated authority to undertake

            monitoring   and implementation of this strategy.

ACTION: Strategic Director Place             (Yusuf Karolia - 01274 434362)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “AE”) presented the revised housing strategy, ‘A Place to Call Home, A Place to Thrive, Housing Strategy for Bradford District, 2020-2030’. The strategy set out the vision, priorities, challenges and approach for meeting the housing needs of the residents of the district. The strategy was a high-level strategic document for the Council and its partners to follow when developing and delivering housing policies, plans, and delivery programmes. 

The Strategic Director stressed that the housing strategy was partner led, that considerable consultation had taken place and that it was built on a robust evidence base.  The Strategy recognised the challenges that Bradford faced such as the high proportion of heritage stock.  Qualitative and quantitative evidence had been used to produce the Strategy.

The Education, Employment and Skills Portfolio holder welcomed the report.

A member who attended the meeting was pleased to note that our approach to delivery included an intention to continue to work with government to resettle refugees.  He noted that there were 4,000 empty houses in the district however the Strategic Director pointed out that closing the gap between the number of long term empty homes in the district and the West Yorkshire Average was a key target in the Strategy.  It was also noted that the Empty Homes Action Plan had successfully received 3 awards in the last two years.

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport portfolio holder thanked officer and partners and members on the Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee for their valued contribution.  He acknowledged the need for more quality homes in the right places and improved housing stock. 

Resolved –

(1)       That the housing strategy, “A Place to Call Home, A Place

            To Thrive, Housing Strategy for the District, 2020-2030’ be           endorsed and recommended to full Council for approval.

(2)       That the support provided by partners in developing the strategy, be noted and the significant contribution that will be provided by housing and other partners in implementing the strategy be acknowledged.

(3)       That the importance of a strong and effective Housing Partnership which will play a vital role in monitoring, reviewing and reporting on measures contained within the strategy be noted.

(4)       That the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the        Portfolio Holder, is delegated authority to undertake

            monitoring   and implementation of this strategy.

ACTION: Strategic Director Place

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Environment