Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Councillor Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing and Communities, presented the report regarding Registered Social Housing Providers (RPs), with whom the current partnership agreement expires in March 2021.

It was stated a new five-year agreement was being sought with providers and considered there was an opportunity to be clearer with providers on the council’s priorities and to improve cooperation. It was noted that there were varieties of affordable housing, and the council could not enforce specific types but could encourage. RPs would be asked to explain how they would be meeting strategic affordable housing delivery in accordance with the Local Plan, accelerate provision of affordable homes and improve environmental standards of affordable housing stock and respond to the Climate Emergency, and support other council aims including delivery of affordable housing to both urban and rural areas.

The Cabinet discussed the report and update, raising issues of lack of communication to local communities from some RPs, and welcoming the efforts of the council to create a more effective partnership.

At the conclusion of discussion, it was,

Resolved:

That Cabinet establishes a new 5 Year partnership arrangement with Registered Providers to support the delivery of affordable housing in Wiltshire.

Reason for Decision:

To allow for a new Partnership arrangement with RPs to support the continued delivery of affordable housing in line with the Council’s Business Plan.