Cabinet will be asked to approve the adoption of Derby City Council’s Housing Strategy 2020-2029 next week, following the completion of a consultation on the plans.
If approved, this strategy will provide the framework for housing and related services for the 2020s.
It is hoped that the new strategy will help to ensure aims and actions are up to date in line with significant changes in housing and housing support services over the last few years. The sector has faced difficulties in recent times due to various reasons, including a growing and aging population in need of suitable homes.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant impact on the delivery of housing and related services in the months and years ahead on a national level, an element that has had to be considered within the strategy. This does mean that some actions within the plan may be subject to change in terms of response and timing, the extent of which will become clearer as the impact of the virus is better known. The strategy is down for annual review to ensure that any impacts of the pandemic that have emerged are taken into account going forward.
The new strategy sets out a number of key priorities to address housing need in all occupancies, and the delivery of accessible good quality, and well-managed housing in the city. It highlights a detailed ‘Action Plan’ to deliver the support for these priorities which have been identified as follows:
- Best Use of Stock: working to ensure that Derby is getting the most out of the homes that already exist for individuals and families
- Housing Quality and Standards: providing housing which is well-designed, well-managed, sustainable, safe and warm
- Vulnerable People: providing suitable accommodation for vulnerable groups, and, where necessary, linking this to specialist support
- Housing Development and Regeneration: supplying a range of new housing that meets needs and contributes to urban renewal in Derby
Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing, said:
Many factors such as nationwide pressures on local authorities, a growing and aging population, and of course, coronavirus, have led to difficulties in the housing sector. That said, it remains the Council’s intention to maximise our supply and provide access to quality, suitable homes to ensure the health and wellbeing of our citizens. We hope the proposed strategy will pave the way for the bolstering of housing across the city and provide residents of Derby with the stability and safety that good housing brings.