To receive the draft Housing Strategy for consideration and recommendation to Council.

The Principal Housing Officer delivered a presentation on the Draft Housing Strategy for 2016-2021 outlining the Council’s vision and plans for housing in Central Bedfordshire. The Committee were provided details of the approach to date, the housing challenges faced within Central Bedfordshire, the quota of need of affordable housing, also factoring in the need of neighbouring authorities.

Members agreed the importance of ensuring developers met the need of the area and the Executive Member confirmed that the Directorate had undertaken work in order to gather evidence regarding local housing requirements.

Members raised concerns that many local people would not be able to afford those homes within the affordable housing bracket as the price was still very high.

In response to a Member query the Executive Member for Regeneration confirmed that in relation to Council owned homes, the Council charged rents in accordance with government allowances.

NOTED the presentation and the proposed public consultation.