Decision details

The Committee considered a joint report by the Head of Environmental Health and Housing and Service Lead Affordable Housing (circulated previously) regarding a vision for the development of a Council Housing Company.

The Service Lead Affordable Housing highlighted the following:

·         The report from Altair recognised that the delivery of affordable housing across North Devon has been strong in recent years. The report supported the direct intervention by the Council to provide much needed houses for people in acute need, even if this was at a relatively modest level of additional supply. The report stated that developing and managing new affordable homes would help the Council alleviate the current issues faced by people with restricted access to current affordable housing provision and help mitigate against future risk of the current challenges deteriorating further. It also suggested that direct intervention is a more effective and timelier response than, for example, relying on a new provider to enter the local market.

·         There were two ways for a North Devon Council Housing Company to establish its stock of housing; essentially to ‘build’ or ‘purchase’.

·         Returning empty properties into use may provide an opportunity to get the Housing Company established. 

·         The need to bring empty private sector dwellings back into use was a key Government objective that was part of a wider strategy to tackle affordability.  The Council’s new administration had also expressed its desire to take empty homes.  The number of vacant dwellings was increasing each year.  In 2018, there were 600 long term vacant properties.

·         A recent BBC documentary entitled, ‘Empty Housing Scandal’ has showcased some of the good work being undertaken by Councils.

·         The Council could acquire empty properties as a result of its regulatory activity.  The Council could then dispose of this accommodation to the local housing company.  Initially this could be trialled on a small number of properties.  The Council had experience of managing a small number of properties for the provision of temporary accommodation. 

·         Potential model for delivery for the Council as detailed in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

·         If the Committee was supportive of the principle of setting up a Local Housing Company, then a detailed report and business plan would be produced for consideration prior to a decision being taken.

Councillor Lofthouse declared a personal interest as a Member of the Bridge Trust.