Quality Housing:

Project Progress in 2008/09

Key

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

Ref	Description	Project Progress for 2008/09
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3c)	Establishing a landlord accreditation scheme in Thanet to encourage good and responsible landlords	Completed. Accreditation scheme developed with other East Kent councils established
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
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.
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
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
5b)	Preventing 70 incidents of homelessness each year through the Council’s intervention	Target exceeded 206 cases of homeless prevention
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
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.
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.

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

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