Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to the Student Accommodation Strategy. The new 5 year Student Accommodation Strategy sets out the City Council’s expectations for new and existing student accommodation provision in the City.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

endorses the Student Accommodation Strategy 2014-19 as a statement of the Council’s expectations for new and existing student accommodation provision in the City;

(b)

approves the accompanying 2014-19 Student Accommodation Strategy Action Plan; and

(c)

notes that the Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods will agree the further development of the action plan following annual reviews, in accordance with the functions reserved to him in the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

To enable the Council to set out a clear vision and delivery plan for student housing and related services which will help the Council to achieve its ambitions to be a Great Place to Live and for Sheffield to be a Competitive City.

8.3.2

The new Student Accommodation Strategy will provide a statement of recommendations to help our partners, potential funders and residents understand our ambitions for new and existing student provision in the City. Having this information available will help them to consider and develop their own opportunities to deliver this shared vision.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Although local authorities do not have a statutory duty to produce a Student Accommodation Strategy, previous government guidance has urged local authorities to take a more strategic approach to housing as part of their place shaping role.

8.4.2

Without a current Student Accommodation Strategy, there will be no clear vision for Sheffield’s student accommodation and services that can be shared with partners, residents, developers and funding bodies.

8.4.3

Any benefit gained from not allocating resources to develop a strategy and monitor its action plan would be outweighed by the costs incurred through not developing a joined up strategic approach to housing policy and investment decisions. Progress updates of the strategy’s action plan will also help to ensure that our priorities will be regularly monitored and that new opportunities to progress our ambitions are considered.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities