Decision details

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding housing issues within North Devon.

The Committee had a brief discussion regarding the difficulties currently being faced by individuals and families seeking accommodation, issues around the current housing crisis and potential actions that the Council could take as a Local Authority. The housing crisis also had an impact on the tourism and hospitality sector as staff had nowhere to live.

The Chief Executive advised that the Devon District Forum was in the process of formulating a paper to be sent to all Devon MP’s next week. This paper would include the impact on the local economy. Some businesses had indicated that they would be seeking to relocate as they could not provide accommodation for staff.

In response to questions, the Chief Executive advised:

·       The Council did not have a housing revenue account as it did not have a housing stock.  The maximum number of properties that the Council could own was 200.

·       An informal meeting of the Policy Development was in the process of being arranged on a date in October 2021. It was suggested that the Panel consist of members of the Policy Development Committee, Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Housing. Other Members could also attend.  A report would then be presented to either the Policy Development Committee or Strategy and Resources Committee and then on to full Council.

RESOLVED that the Council hold an informal Panel meeting by the end of October 2021, inviting relevant organisations and individuals to make representations, with a view to preparing a set of actions and recommendations.