Quality Housing:

Project Progress in 2008/09

Key

All project milestones met The project is on track for completion as planned.
Majority of project milestones met The project is currently at risk of falling behind plan.
project off track milestones not met The project is not progressing according to plan.

 

 

Ref Description Project Progress for 2008/09 Project status
1 Meet the future housing needs of the District by:
1a) Delivering 200 new, affordable homes through developer contributions in the planning system by 2011. Identifying need, and matching it to the Local Development Framework content.  Reasonable level of affordable homes achieved despite recession. All project milestones met
1b) Providing specialist accommodation for the frail elderly and other vulnerable groups – 80 additional units by 2010 On track. One scheme (40 units) completed. A further scheme due to be completed in October 2009 All project milestones met
1c) Preparing a schedule of derelict sites for redevelopment as quality homes This complements project 4.2(a).  Reducing pressure elsewhere by utilising brownfield land timescales extended to be coincident with project 4.2(a). 20% complete. Majority of project milestones met
2 Through the Local Development Framework, introduce planning policies and guidance to:
2a) Safeguard family homes and the character and amenity of residential areas

Work ongoing.  Public engagement proposed for Autumn 2009. Submission late Spring 2010.

All project milestones met
2b) Deliver the homes required to achieve a more balanced community, urban renaissance and economic regeneration Work ongoing.  Public engagement proposed for Autumn 2009. Submission late Spring 2010. All project milestones met
3 Improve the quality of housing in the private sector by:
3a) Reducing the number of vulnerable people living in non decent accommodation with 100 private sector homes being made decent each year through the Council’s intervention Achieved. The homes of 127 vulnerable residents made decent since April 2008. All project milestones met
3b) Promoting initiatives and investment to tackle fuel poverty for people on low incomes and living in poor quality housing Regional Housing Board programme of activities commenced and 62% of 08/09 finance allocated. All project milestones met
3c) Establishing a landlord accreditation scheme in Thanet to encourage good and responsible landlords Completed. Accreditation scheme developed with other East Kent councils established All project milestones met
4

Make the most of opportunities arising from the Council’s own housing stock by:

4a) Exploring efficiencies and service improvements through joint working with neighbouring stock-owning councils In principle decision to proceed taken by all five councils involved in the project but detailed business case is now being worked on ahead of consultation with tenants. Some slippage in original timetable Majority of project milestones met
4b) Maximising opportunities from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) land bank to provide new, affordable housing New government guidance recently published and opportunities for Thanet being evaluated. Majority of project milestones met
4c) Agreeing with the Council’s tenants and leaseholders a new 30-year business plan for the HRA Delayed. Awaiting outcome of government review of housing subsidy system. New stock condition survey due to be completed in May 2009 Majority of project milestones met
5 Reduce homelessness and improve the letting of social housing in Thanet by:
5a) Reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation to less that 55 Completed. 36 cases at 31st March All project milestones met
5b) Preventing 70 incidents of homelessness each year through the Council’s intervention Target exceeded 206 cases of homeless prevention All project milestones met
5c) Reviewing the allocations policy to give priority to local people and discourage the inward migration of vulnerable households into the area Project scheduled to take place in year three of the Corporate Plan (2009/10)  
5d) Introducing choice-based lettings by 2010 for the allocation of Council and Registered Social Landlord homes Completed. Choice based lettings operational from July 2008 All project milestones met
6 Continue to improve housing conditions in Cliftonville West and Margate Central by:
6a) Reducing the number of houses in multiple occupation by 15 by 2011 Total number of Houses in Multiple Occupation reduced by 10 in 08/09. 2/3 of target achieved in first year. All project milestones met
6b) Reducing the level of private rented accommodation in the renewal area from 59% to 54% Recent Private Sector Housing Stock Condition Survey suggests an increase District-wide of 12% since 2002. Suggested District figure 28.5%. Market and number of planning applications suggest that the level of private rented accommodation has increased in Renewal Area. project off track milestones not met

 

Next page: Quality Housing: Looking forward to 2009-10

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