Decision details

The services the Council provides in relation to private sector housing are many and varied.  The main function currently relates to the standard of repair and is the responsibility of the Environmental Health Division of the Council.  Private sector housing is not limited to one department and this strategy aims to pull together all the council’s functions that are relevant to the private sector housing agenda.

AGREED:

1.                  To the release of Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy Consultation draft to the following consultees:

·                     Housing associations and Registered Social Landlords

·                     Voluntary Sector involved with housing and homelessness issues

·                     Private landlords that the Council is aware of

·                     Tenants of private landlords

·                     South Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust

·                     GO East

·                     CAB and other advice agencies

·                     MP’s

·                     Kevin Reynolds (Strategic Lead on Community Living, SCDC Sheltered Housing)

2.                  That consultees be asked the following questions:

·                     Does the evidence contained in section 3 highlight the right problems?

·                     Are the solutions contained in section 3 appropriate?  Can they suggest any additional solutions or alternative solutions that could be used?

·                     Bearing in mind the Council’s current financial situation,

(i)                  What would be their areas of priority for action contained in section 3, namely;

(a)               Housing defects (Unfitness, Substantial Disrepair, Serious Hazards, Decent Homes)

(b)               Adaptations for independent living (Disabled Facilities Grants)

(c)               Empty Properties

(d)               Fuel Poverty

(e)               Feelings of safety and well-being (Crime and Disorder)

(f)                 Homelessness

(g)               Affordable Housing

(h)               Overcrowding

(ii)                And within the main areas of a to h above which of the suggested solutions should be prioritised?

·                     Can they identify areas of current work on private sector housing which the Council can/should stop delivering?

·                     Can they identify any areas in the strategy, which are missing or over emphasised?