Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking approval for a new 10-year Housing Strategy. The report summarises the key content of the Strategy, along with the public consultation results that have been part of its development.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approves the adoption of the new 10 year Housing Strategy, attached as appendix 1 (Housing Strategy 2024 – 2034) to the report now submitted.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

It is important that a city like Sheffield has a long-term strategic plan for how it will meet the housing needs of our community, now and in years to come. Our current Strategy is out of date and so a new Housing Strategy is needed. It is therefore recommended that the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee consider and approve the adoption of a new 10-year Housing Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Alternative Option: Do not develop a Housing Strategy

The development of a Housing Strategy is not a statutory duty. The Council is not, therefore required to produce one, and other strategies, such as the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, are produced to consider specific issues. However, this option was rejected on the grounds that a long-term, strategic document is seen as critical to guide planning, development/investment and policy over the next decade, and this is a keystone strategy for the city. A Housing Strategy is produced by local authorities in comparable cities to set their strategic vision and ambition for housing. The approach of not having a Housing Strategy is therefore not recommended.

61.1

The Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking approval for a new 10-year Housing Strategy. The report summarises the key content of the Strategy, along with the public consultation results that have been part of its development.

61.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approves the adoption of the new 10 year Housing Strategy, attached as appendix 1 (Housing Strategy 2024 – 2034) to the report now submitted.

61.3

Reasons for Decision

61.3.1

It is important that a city like Sheffield has a long-term strategic plan for how it will meet the housing needs of our community, now and in years to come. Our current Strategy is out of date and so a new Housing Strategy is needed. It is therefore recommended that the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee consider and approve the adoption of a new 10-year Housing Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1.

61.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

61.4.1

Alternative Option: Do not develop a Housing Strategy

The development of a Housing Strategy is not a statutory duty. The Council is not, therefore required to produce one, and other strategies, such as the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, are produced to consider specific issues. However, this option was rejected on the grounds that a long-term, strategic document is seen as critical to guide planning, development/investment and policy over the next decade, and this is a keystone strategy for the city. A Housing Strategy is produced by local authorities in comparable cities to set their strategic vision and ambition for housing. The approach of not having a Housing Strategy is therefore not recommended.