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   Welcome to: Skip BreadcrumbEast Staffordshire Borough Council: Homepage > A - Z of Services > Housing > Housing Strategy

 Housing Strategy

The Council has strategic housing responsibility for East Staffordshire.

The Council published its PDF IconHousing Strategy 2009-14 in March 2009, together with the PDF IconHousing Strategy Review 2009-14 which summarises the main evidence informing the Housing Strategy. 

The Housing Strategy sets out the themes and strategies which the Council is pursuing. The actions the Council is taking to address each of these themes and strategies are set out in the Housing Strategy Action Plan. The Action Plan appears below, including progress to the end of April 2010.

You can find the Council's other housing strategy documents in the Housing: Documents Strategy folder.

HOUSING STRATEGY ACTION PLAN
PDM: Planning Delivery Manager EO: Equalities Officer HGPD: Head of Growth Point Delivery 
HOM: Housing Options Manager  HPM: Housing Projects Manager HSdM: Housing Standards Manager
HSyM: Housing Strategy Manager PPM: Planning Policy Manager
Chapter 1 Housing Needs
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
The housing market 1a. Encourage an appropriate number of high end and other Executive homes in Burton.  1.1 Assess the viability of land for housing. HSyM PPM Apr-10 Planning Policy budget The consultants have continued to work on this, with the final report now expected in June 2010 The Council defines what housing mix it wants to achieve, including targets for new affordable housing, and goes on to achieve this
1.2 Produce and adopt a Housing Choice Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).  PPM Sep-10 Staff time Further work on developing the evidence base
1.3 Implement the Growth Point Delivery Plan. HGPD Mar-12 Staff time Progress developing the preferred option principle   
1b. Support appropriately located Extra-Care developments.
1.4 Produce and adopt the Core Strategy. PPM May-12 Staff time Preparation for further consultation
1.5 Work with developers of large sites through a master-planning process to deliver the desired  housing mix. PPM PDM Ongoing Staff time Awaiting large schemes
1c. Support clusters of housing for elderly people within ‘mixed communities’.
1.6 Continue to work with Staffordshire County Council so that the county-wide Housing, Support and Independence Strategy evidences the need for Extra-Care housing in East Staffordshire and allocates a fair share of County Council funding to the borough. HSyM As County Council timetable Staff time Awaiting next stage from the County Council
1d. Incorporate delivery of the right mix of housing into the relevant Local Development Documents.
1.7 Promote the evidence of Extra-Care need to potential providers. HSyM Once identified Staff time Awaiting evidence from the County Council
Housing Need 2. Produce an Affordable Housing Policy 2.1 Update the borough-wide and urban area housing need evidence base in conjunction with partners to inform the Housing Choice SPD HSyM Mar-10 Staff Time Consultants' report received and being considered  Sound evidence of what affordable housing is needed
2.2 Continue to negotiate for inclusion of affordable housing in line with policy HSyM Ongoing Staff Time Ongoing 30% affordable housing secured
2.3 Include appropriate policy on affordable housing in rural areas in the Housing Choice SPD PPM Sep-10 Staff Time Policy being developed Housing need in rural areas can be met
3. Carry out a programme of parish housing needs surveys 3.1 Develop an affordable housing response for each parish which has had a parish housing needs survey completed HSyM Dec-11 £3,300 pa (PPM) 6 surveys carried out Housing need in rural areas is identified and met
3.2 Consider extension of the parish housing needs survey programme to more parishes HSyM PPM 2011 Staff Time  
4. Work with Housing Associations and the Homes and Communities Agency 4.1 Promote and support affordable housing proposals to meet identified housing need  HSyM Ongoing Staff Time 262 new units under construction since Jan 2009 Targets for new affordable housing are achieved
Homelessness 5. Implement the Homelessness Strategy 5.1 Use ES News to promote homelessness prevention (Revised) HSyM Ongoing from March 2009 Staff time Further article published in April 2010 The number of people presenting to the Council as homeless remains below 170 pa despite the economic situation
5.2 Provide individual housing needs assessment and one-to-one advice HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 1004 customers in the 12 months April 2009 to March 2010
5.3 Integrate assistance to help households avoid homelessness HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 81 customers assisted in the 12 months April 2009 to March 2010
5.4Develop and introduce a Deposit Guarantee Scheme HSyM Dec-09 £7,500 (HSy) Approved Dec 09
5.5 Decide whether to use additional Trent & Dove properties as temporary accommodation (Revised) HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Under consideration Maximum value for money
5.6 Develop a new charging policy for temporary accommodation  HSyM Mar-12 Staff time  
5.7 Provide customers in temporary accommodation secured by the Council with improved support HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost Ongoing Better service for customers
5.8 Secure provision of additional social rented affordable housing (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing Staff time 139 new units under construction since Jan 2009 Households find suitable housing
5.9 Review the Housing Allocations Policy including its impact on homelessness and revise as necessary HSyM Jan-11 Staff time   Maintain low levels of homelessness
5.10 Monitor exclusions from the housing register and unsuccessful nominations, identify what needs (if any) are not being met, and develop solutions as necessary (Revised action) HSyM Nov-10 Staff time No exclusions or unsuccessful nominations in the quarter January to March 2010 Exclusions and unsuccessful nominations only occur in extremis
5.11 Engage with the Supporting People review of accommodation-based support HSyM Completed     Effective services provided in East Staffordshire
5.12 Engage with the Supporting People re-commissioning of Floating Support services HSyM Completed    
5.13 Agree method of recording youth housing need with partners (Revised action)  HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Arrangements clarified to ensure this information is collected Full record of how many young people become homeless
5.14 Agree updated protocol for 16 and 17 year olds with Staffordshire Children & Lifelong Learning Directorate (Revised action) HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Local procedure agreed Dec 09 and revised Mar 10 16 and 17 year olds get the right help
5.15 Convene a Youth Housing Forum to identify and develop housing pathways for young people (Revised action) HSyM Jun-09 Staff time Further Forum meeting held on 22nd March 2010 20% reduction in the number of young people becoming homeless pa (measured as at 5.13 above) by 2013-14 compared to 2010-11
5.16 Carry out home visits in cases where young people report that they are being asked to leave the family home HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 5 home visits during the first 12 months
5.17 Work with Burton YMCA to evaluate the effectiveness of their pilot mediation project (Revised action) HSyM Jun-11 Staff time  
5.18 Work with partners through the Youth Housing Forum to review  communication with young people about housing issues and improve as necessary (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing Staff time
5.19 Seek to agree a protocol with Burton YMCA for the provision of emergency accommodation to 16-17 year olds  HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Informal arrangements in place and working successfully No 16-17 year olds placed in Bed & Breakfast from April 2010
5.20 Work with partners to identify the best way of meeting the need for additional housing support for young parents HSyM Mar-11 Staff time   Additional units secured by Dec 2011
5.21 Decide how to provide housing advice to young people as part of the review of Housing Options delivery (Revised) HSyM Feb-11 Staff time   Easy access for young people to consistent housing advice
5.22  Work with partners to understand offender homelessness and produce a report recommending actions to improve the situation HSyM 2012 Staff time   Offenders avoid homelessness
5.23 (Incorporated into 22) 
5.24 Make the case to Supporting People for additional funding to maintain previous levels of Floating Support for people suffering from domestic violence. HSyM Completed April 2009 Staff time Additional 8 units funded by Supporting People Additional 8 units funded by Supporting People
5.25 Review domestic violence eviction strategies at the East Staffordshire Housing Forum. HSyM Completed June 2009 Staff time   Victims able to retain tenancy
5.26   Carry out a review with other ESBC services to establish the most effective working relationships with private sector landlords HSdM Nov-10 Staff time   Joined-up services
5.27 Develop partnership working with landlords through a Landlords’ Forum HSyM Ongoing Staff time Further Forum meeting held on 21st April 2010 Fewer private sector tenancies ended
5.28 Raise the awareness of landlords and tenants about the options available to them to help sustain tenancies.  HSyM Ongoing from Feb 2009 Staff time Included again in a Landlords Newsletter distributed in April 2010 
5.29 (Deleted as a separate action)       (Specific resource no longer available.)   
5.30 Review whether E-Bens fast-track decisions introduced in April 2009 mean homeless households now secure new homes sufficiently quickly (Revised)  HOM Sep-10 Staff time   Homeless households quickly housed
5.31 Seek continued Supporting People provision of the outreach service to rough sleepers until the Reconnect project opens HSyM Aug-10 Staff time Funding secured to Sept 2010 Continuation of service
5.32 Support and work with the YMCA, Midland Heart and other partners to deliver the Reconnect project for rough sleepers. HSyM Jan-11 Staff time Final issues resolved and project now approved 13 units of emergency access and move-on accommodation 
5.33 Work with partners to review how services for drug and alcohol mis-users contribute to homelessness prevention and produce a report recommending actions.  HSyM 2012 Staff time   Residents receive the services they need to avoid homelessness
5.34 Monitor mortgage repossessions and respond accordingly  HSyM Ongoing Staff time Monitored from Feb 09. Appropriate response
5.35 Work with partners to respond to the risks of mortgage repossessions HSyM Ongoing  Staff time Mortgage Rescue Scheme introduced Mar 09 Further action as necessary
6. Continue to monitor homelessness and delivery of the East Staffordshire Housing Options service and make changes as necessary 6.1 Continue with monthly and quarterly monitoring arrangements HSyM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing Good quality and effective Housing Options delivery
7. Consider Implementing Government schemes as full details become available 7.1 Monitor implementation of the Mortgage Rescue Scheme to ensure it is working as well as possible. HOM Ongoing from April 2009  Staff time 4 households helped to date and help being secured for 4 more households Residents facing homelessness are enabled to keep their homes or find new homes 
7.2 Introduce the Repossessions Prevention Fund HSyM Nov-09 £38k 2 households helped to date
Overcrowding 8. Publicise Housing Benefit, the legal overcrowding standards, and the negative effects of overcrowding eg the effects on health and wellbeing 8.1 Promote Housing Register applications from large households to identify need HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey carried out March 2010 Residents aware of issues and solutions
8.2 Implement a campaign to publicise overcrowding issues HSyM 2011    
9. Research whether BME households need types of property which are not currently available 9.1 Undertake intelligence gathering on the types of housing needed by BME households HSyM Feb-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey carried out March 2010 The Housing Choice SPD provides for housing to meet BME need
10. Seek to secure additional affordable housing with 4+ bedrooms to meet identified BME need 10.1 Secure provision of the types of housing needed by BME households through the Housing Choice SPD HSyM Sep-10 Staff time  
11. Encourage larger families to join the housing register 11.1 Include information on the housing register in the publicity campaign HSyM 2011 Staff time   Housing register reflects true level of need
12. Take enforcement action as appropriate  12.1 Continue to assess and address overcrowding during housing inspections HSdM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing Overcrowding eliminated
Chapter 2 Existing Housing
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Owner Occupied Homes 13. Fund more Warm Front top-ups 13.1 Seek funding for Warm Front top-ups each year as needed HSdM Annually TBC pa 3 applications received and approved in 2009-10. £5000 budget for 2010-11 Homes improved
14. Work with Orbit Care & Repair to ensure the Handyman Service is available to help all elderly and infirm households 14.1 Monitor the Handyman service via monthly reports and Advisory Board meetings and agree changes as necessary HSdM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing All elderly and infirm households able to access the service as necessary
15. Make Kick start equity release and loan products available 15.1 Implement Kickstart in East Staffordshire in conjunction with partners HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Decision Feb 2010. Launched Mar 2010 Promoted in ES News in April 2010 Residents improve their homes using loans
16. Promote and encourage home-owners to take up Warm Front and CERT grants 16.1 Review the recent promotional activity of CERT providers and Warm Front and plan for next year HSdM Mar-10 Staff time   200 Warm Front grants pa from 2010-11
17. As funding becomes available from commuted sums, design and introduce a grant scheme to help households   who cannot make use of equity release or loan products to make their homes suitable  17.1 Include a scheme in Future IBHI HPM 2012 Staff time   Residents homes are improved using available funding
Private Rented Homes 18. Introduce pro-active inspection and enforcement 18.1 Review the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy and revise as necessary HSdM Dec-10   Sub-standard properties identified and improved
18.2 Develop and adopt a new Housing Standards Enforcement Policy HSdM Jul-10 Staff time Out to consultation in April 2010  
19. Increase information for and engagement with landlords and agents 19.1 Engage through a Landlords Forum (See Action 5.27) HSdM Ongoing Staff time Further Forum meeting held on 21st April 2010 Landlords are aware of services and comply with standards and best practice
19.2 Add information for Landlords to the council’s website including Landlords Newsletters HSyM Completed    
20. Investigate extending licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation, accepting that the relevant criteria may not be satisfied 20.1 Investigate whether the Housing Act criteria for additional HMO licensing are satisfied and decide whether or not to pursue   HSdM Feb-11 Staff time   Decision 
21. Consider introducing an accreditation scheme 21.1 Decide whether to pursue accreditation in the light of the Government’s response to the Rugg Review  HSyM 2011 Staff time   Decision
Empty Properties 22. Close down the Voluntary Leasing Scheme  22.1 Formally agree to close the scheme  HSyM Sep-09 Staff time Scheme formally closed. Work carried out to identify problem properties Scheme closed
23. Use enforcement powers to address nuisance properties 23.1 Actively use enforcement powers to respond to complaints HSdM Ongoing Staff time   Nuisance eliminated
24. Review the strategic response in 2010 24.1 Following production of the Housing Choice SPD, decide whether a new strategic response to empty properties is needed HSyM Dec-10 Staff time   Decision on way forward
Social Sector Homes 25. Work with Housing Associations to plan the future for sheltered housing stock 25.1 Agree strategy for dealing with hard to let sheltered housing with Housing Associations HSyM 2011 Staff time   A plan of action if appropriate
Access to social rented housing 26. Work with partners to promote the move to UChoose and the new allocations policy 26.1 Introduce the new East Staffordshire Housing Register brand and the link with UChoose.  HSyM Completed June 2009 Staff time   98% of social housing is now allocated to Housing Register applicants
 
27. Encourage other Housing Associations to join Choice Based Lettings 27.1 Secure decisions from Housing Associations about Housing Register partnership and CBL. HSyM Completed May 2009 Staff time  
28. Review the working of Choice Based Lettings 28.1 Work with partners to consult customers about their experiences of Choice Based Lettings, particularly those who are vulnerable, and to improve as necessary  HSyM Dec-10 Staff time   Customers are happy with Choice Based Lettings and vulnerable customers are fully benefiting from it
29. Update the nominations agreement 29.1 Introduce a replacement nominations agreement for Housing Associations participating in Choice Based Lettings  HSyM Mar-11 Staff time   Nominations provide customers with easy access to housing
30. Monitor implementation of the allocations policy and review as necessary 30.1 Introduce monitoring of allocations through quarterly reports to the Housing Forum   HSyM Ongoing  Staff time Introduced from October 2009 Customers are seen to be treated fairly 
5.9 Review the Housing Allocations Policy including its impact on homelessness and revise as necessary HSyM Jan-11 Staff time   The allocations policy is improved as necessary
Chapter 3 New Supply of Housing
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Amount of new housing 31a. Accommodate the building of 12,900 new homes 31.1 Ensure the Core Strategy and Site Allocations and Policies documents are consistent with accommodating the required number of new homes PPM Jul-10 Staff time   The required number of new homes can be built
31b. Oppose any increase in this number
31c. Conform with the revised Regional Spatial Strategy unless it [the Council] can justify otherwise
Growth Point 32. Work with partners through the Delivery Vehicle to deliver Growth and associated infrastructure 32.1 Adopt a Growth Point Business Plan  HGPD Nov-09 Staff time   The required number of new homes is built
32.2 Encourage developers of stalled housing developments to apply to the HCA Kick Start programme  HGPD Ongoing Staff time  
Local Development Framework 33. Implement the Local Development Scheme 33.1 Implement the Local Development Scheme PPM May-12 Staff time   Local Development Framework complete
34. Complete the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 34.1 Complete Phase 2 of the SHLAA PPM Jul-09 Planning Policy budget   Land available for new housing development is identified
34.2 Update the SHLAA  PPM Dec 2009 and then annually Staff time  
35. Consider the need for further design guidance 35.1 Consider the need for further housing design guidance in the Housing Choice SPD PPM Apr-10 Staff time   New homes are of high quality design
Chapter 4: Housing Support and the needs of specific groups
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Housing support services 36. Actively engage in the development of the Staffordshire Supporting People Strategy 36.1 Participate in development of the Housing, Support & Independence Strategy  HSyM County Council Timetable Staff time All meetings attended The strategy addresses the needs of residents in East Staffordshire
37. Publicise housing support services 37.1 Publicise housing support services  HSyM On-going from Sept 2009 Staff time Included again in a Landlords Newsletter distributed in April 2010  Those in need of support services access them
37.2 Participate in the steering groups for the new borough-wide floating support services HSyM On-going Staff time All meetings attended
The housing needs of elderly people 38. Continue to work with partners to develop the proposed Extra-Care development on Anglesey Road 38.1 Support Trent & Dove’s bid for HCA funding HSyM As necessary Staff time £4m funding agreed by HCA Scheme built
The housing needs of young people 39. Convene a Youth Housing Forum 5.15 Convene a Youth Housing Forum to identify and develop housing pathways for young people (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing from June 2009 Staff time Further Forum meeting held on 22nd March 2010 Young people are suitably housed
The housing needs of people with disabilities 40. Monitor DFG delivery times 40.1 Working with partners, adopt an improved process to assisting residents needing adaptations to their properties (DFGs) HSdM Sep-10 Staff time   Customers receive the required level of service
41. Review partnership arrangements if targets are not achieved
42. Review guidance for applicants 42.1 Produce an improved explanatory leaflet and information pack for DFG applicants HSdM Nov-10 Staff time   Residents fully understand their options 
43. Develop and introduce a scheme to help people move house as an alternative to DFG grant 43.1 Identify and develop viable alternatives to DFG-funded adaptations HSdM HSyM Sep-10 Staff time   Needs met in appropriate and value for money way
44. Share access to adapted social rented housing with South Derbyshire District Council if investigations show that this would be worthwhile
The housing needs of the BME population 45. Improve equality monitoring of the Council’s housing services 45.1 Extend equalities monitoring to all Housing services  HSdM HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Done Any issues are identified and addressed
45.2 Carry out self-assessment against the Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Housing and report to Cabinet HSdM Mar-11 HSyM  
46. Research whether BME households need additional housing choice 9.1 Undertake intelligence gathering on the types of housing needed by BME households HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey carried out in March 2010 The Housing Choice SPD provides for housing to meet BME need
The housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers 47. Consider the findings of the GTAA and the need for new pitches 47.1 Update the evidence in the GTAA to establish the extent of genuine and proven need given provision elsewhere HSyM 2011 Staff time   Pitches available to Gypsies and Travellers in accordance with need
47.2 Allocate a site(s) in the Core Strategy if needed PPM May-12 Staff time  
48. Work with partners to promote housing support services more effectively to Gypsies and Travellers 48.1 Visit the existing Gypsies and Travellers site in Burton with information  HSyM Sep-09 Staff time Visited September 2009 Residents are aware of the services available
49. Consider the most appropriate way to monitor take-up of services by Gypsies and Travellers 49.1 Include Gypsies and Travellers as an ethnic group in new Equality Monitoring Guidance EO Jul-09 Staff time New guidance issued July 2009 The Council will monitor use of services by Gypsies and Irish Travellers from April 2010
Chapter 5: Housing and neighbourhood management
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Housing management 50. Support social landlords to exercise effective housing management 50.1 Provide standing opportunity to discuss issues at Housing Forum meetings HSyM Ongoing Staff time   Tenants and neighbours are happy
50.2 Engage with landlords in response to complaints or concerns HSyM Ongoing Staff time No issues to date
Neighbourhood management 51. Implement the chosen model of neighbourhood working 51.1 Appoint Neighbourhood Co-ordinators to cover each of three neighbourhood areas PoPM Jun-09 Core budget Appointed Local intelligence is reflected in local priorities
Inner Burton 52a. Develop a spatial masterplan for inner Burton 52.1 Finalise IBHI Two Plan and start to implement HPM Sep-09 Staff time £1.4m Scheme underway 74 properties improved
52.2 Prepare a Future IBHI Delivery Plan with the HCA and other partners HPM Mar-10 Staff time Adopted March 2010 Regeneration of inner Burton
52b Seek funding to implement the masterplan

 

HOUSING STRATEGY ACTION PLAN
PDM: Planning Delivery Manager EO: Equalities Officer HGPD: Head of Growth Point Delivery 
HOM: Housing Options Manager  HPM: Housing Projects Manager HSdM: Housing Standards Manager
HSyM: Housing Strategy Manager PPM: Planning Policy Manager
Chapter 1 Housing Needs
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
The housing market 1a. Encourage an appropriate number of high end and other Executive homes in Burton.  1.1 Assess the viability of land for housing. HSyM PPM

Apr-10

 Planning Policy budget Consultants appointed Nov 09. Report due April 10 The Council defines what housing mix it wants to achieve, including targets for new affordable housing, and goes on to achieve this
1.2 Produce and adopt a Housing Choice Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).  PPM Sep-10 Staff time Evidence base being developed
1.3 Implement the Growth Point Delivery Plan. HGPD Mar-12 Staff time Bargates consultation held Feb 10
1b. Support appropriately located Extra-Care developments.
1.4 Produce and adopt the Core Strategy. PPM May-12 Staff time (Issues and Options Consultation July 2007)
1.5 Work with developers of large sites through a master-planning process to deliver the desired  housing mix. PPM PDM Ongoing Staff time Awaiting large schemes
1c. Support clusters of housing for elderly people within ‘mixed communities’.
1.6 Continue to work with Staffordshire County Council so that the county-wide Housing, Support and Independence Strategy evidences the need for Extra-Care housing in East Staffordshire and allocates a fair share of County Council funding to the borough. HSyM As County Council timetable Staff time Commented on draft needs analysis Jan 09
1d. Incorporate delivery of the right mix of housing into the relevant Local Development Documents.
1.7 Promote the evidence of Extra-Care need to potential providers. HSyM Once identified Staff time Awaiting evidence
Housing Need 2. Produce an Affordable Housing Policy 2.1 Update the borough-wide and urban area housing need evidence base in conjunction with partners to inform the Housing Choice SPD HSyM Mar-10 Staff Time Consultants appointed. Report expected Mar 10. Sound evidence of what affordable housing is needed
2.2 Continue to negotiate for inclusion of affordable housing in line with policy HSyM Ongoing Staff Time   30% affordable housing secured
2.3 Include appropriate policy on affordable housing in rural areas in the Housing Choice SPD PPM Sep-10 Staff Time   Housing need in rural areas can be met
3. Carry out a programme of parish housing needs surveys 3.1 Develop an affordable housing response for each parish which has had a parish housing needs survey completed HSyM Dec-11 £3,300 pa (PPM) 5 surveys carried out Housing need in rural areas is identified and met
3.2 Consider extension of the parish housing needs survey programme to more parishes HSyM PPM 2011 Staff Time  
4. Work with Housing Associations and the Homes and Communities Agency 4.1 Promote and support affordable housing proposals to meet identified housing need  HSyM Ongoing Staff Time 262 new units under construction since Jan 2009 Targets for new affordable housing are achieved
Homelessness 5. Implement the Homelessness Strategy 5.1 Use ES News to promote homelessness prevention (Revised) HSyM Ongoing from March 2009 Staff time Articles published Feb 09, Apr 09, Sep 09, The number of people presenting to the Council as homeless remains below 170 pa despite the economic situation
5.2 Provide individual housing needs assessment and one-to-one advice HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 985 customers in the first 12 months
5.3 Integrate assistance to help households avoid homelessness HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 75 customers assisted in the first 12 months
5.4 Develop and introduce a Deposit Guarantee Scheme HSyM Dec-09 £7,500 (HSy) Approved Dec 09
5.5 Decide whether to use additional Trent & Dove properties as temporary accommodation (Revised) HSyM Mar-10 Staff time   Maximum value for money
5.6 Develop a new charging policy for temporary accommodation  HSyM Mar-12 Staff time  
5.7 Provide customers in temporary accommodation secured by the Council with improved support HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost   Better service for customers
5.8 Secure provision of additional social rented affordable housing (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing Staff time 139 new units under construction since Jan 2009 Households find suitable housing
5.9 Review the Housing Allocations Policy including its impact on homelessness and revise as necessary HSyM Jan-11 Staff time   Maintain low levels of homelessness
5.10 Monitor exclusions from the housing register and unsuccessful nominations, identify what needs (if any) are not being met, and develop solutions as necessary (Revised action) HSyM Nov-10 Staff time Exclusions being monitored from Oct 09 Exclusions and unsuccessful nominations only occur in extremis
5.11 Engage with the Supporting People review of accommodation-based support HSyM Completed   Report published November 2008 Effective services provided in East Staffordshire
5.12 Engage with the Supporting People re-commissioning of Floating Support services HSyM Completed   Carr Gomm appointed
5.13 Agree method of recording youth housing need with partners (Revised action)  HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Full record of how many young people become homeless
5.14 Agree updated protocol for 16 and 17 year olds with Staffordshire Children & Lifelong Learning Directorate (Revised action) HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Local procedure agreed Dec 09 and revised Mar 10 16 and 17 year olds get the right help
5.15 Convene a Youth Housing Forum to identify and develop housing pathways for young people (Revised action) HSyM Jun-09 Staff time Meetings held Jun 09, Sep 09, and Dec 09 20% reduction in the number of young people becoming homeless pa (measured as at 5.13 above) by 2013-14 compared to 2010-11
5.16 Carry out home visits in cases where young people report that they are being asked to leave the family home HOM Ongoing from Sept 2008 Contract Cost (HSy) 5 home visits during the first 12 months
5.17 Work with Burton YMCA to evaluate the effectiveness of their pilot mediation project (Revised action) HSyM Jun-11 Staff time  
5.18 Work with partners through the Youth Housing Forum to review  communication with young people about housing issues and improve as necessary (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing Staff time  
5.19 Seek to agree a protocol with Burton YMCA for the provision of emergency accommodation to 16-17 year olds  HSyM Mar-10 Staff time   No 16-17 year olds placed in Bed & Breakfast from April 2010
5.20 Work with partners to identify the best way of meeting the need for additional housing support for young parents HSyM Mar-11 Staff time   Additional units secured by Dec 2011
5.21 Decide how to provide housing advice to young people as part of the review of Housing Options delivery (Revised) HSyM Feb-11 Staff time   Easy access for young people to consistent housing advice
5.22  Work with partners to understand offender homelessness and produce a report recommending actions to improve the situation HSyM 2012 Staff time   Offenders avoid homelessness
5.23 (Incorporated into 22) 
5.24 Make the case to Supporting People for additional funding to maintain previous levels of Floating Support for people suffering from domestic violence. HSyM Completed April 2009 Staff time Additional 8 units funded by Supporting People Additional 8 units funded by Supporting People
5.25 Review domestic violence eviction strategies at the East Staffordshire Housing Forum. HSyM Completed June 2009 Staff time   Victims able to retain tenancy
5.26   Carry out a review with other ESBC services to establish the most effective working relationships with private sector landlords HSdM Nov-10 Staff time   Joined-up services
5.27 Develop partnership working with landlords through a Landlords’ Forum HSyM Ongoing Staff time Meetings held Feb 2009 and Jul 2009 Fewer private sector tenancies ended
5.28 Raise the awareness of landlords and tenants about the options available to them to help sustain tenancies.  HSyM Ongoing from Feb 2009 Staff time  
5.29 (Deleted as a separate action)       (Specific resource no longer available.)   
5.30 Review whether E-Bens fast-track decisions introduced in April 2009 mean homeless households now secure new homes sufficiently quickly (Revised)  HOM Sep-10 Staff time   Homeless households quickly housed
5.31 Seek continued Supporting People provision of the outreach service to rough sleepers until the Reconnect project opens HSyM Aug-10 Staff time Funding secured to Sept 2010 Continuation of service
5.32 Support and work with the YMCA, Midland Heart and other partners to deliver the Reconnect project for rough sleepers. HSyM Jan-11 Staff time   13 units of emergency access and move-on accommodation 
5.33 Work with partners to review how services for drug and alcohol mis-users contribute to homelessness prevention and produce a report recommending actions.  HSyM 2012 Staff time   Residents receive the services they need to avoid homelessness
5.34 Monitor mortgage repossessions and respond accordingly  HSyM Ongoing Staff time Monitored from Feb 09. Appropriate response
5.35 Work with partners to respond to the risks of mortgage repossessions HSyM Ongoing  Staff time Mortgage Rescue Scheme introduced Mar 09 Further action as necessary
6. Continue to monitor homelessness and delivery of the East Staffordshire Housing Options service and make changes as necessary 6.1 Continue with monthly and quarterly monitoring arrangements HSyM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing Good quality and effective Housing Options delivery
7. Consider Implementing Government schemes as full details become available 7.1 Monitor implementation of the Mortgage Rescue Scheme to ensure it is working as well as possible. HOM Ongoing from April 2009  Staff time Process completed for one household Residents facing homelessness are enabled to keep their homes or find new homes 
7.2 Introduce the Repossessions Prevention Fund HSyM Nov-09 £38k Saving Homes Scheme agreed Nov 2009
Overcrowding 8. Publicise Housing Benefit, the legal overcrowding standards, and the negative effects of overcrowding eg the effects on health and wellbeing 8.1 Promote Housing Register applications from large households to identify need HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey March 2010 to identify need Residents aware of issues and solutions
8.2 Implement a campaign to publicise overcrowding issues HSyM 2011    
9. Research whether BME households need types of property which are not currently available 9.1 Undertake intelligence gathering on the types of housing needed by BME households HSyM Feb-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey March 2010 to identify need The Housing Choice SPD provides for housing to meet BME need
10. Seek to secure additional affordable housing with 4+ bedrooms to meet identified BME need 10.1 Secure provision of the types of housing needed by BME households through the Housing Choice SPD HSyM Sep-10 Staff time  
11. Encourage larger families to join the housing register 11.1 Include information on the housing register in the publicity campaign HSyM 2011 Staff time   Housing register reflects true level of need
12. Take enforcement action as appropriate  12.1 Continue to assess and address overcrowding during housing inspections HSdM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing Overcrowding eliminated
Chapter 2 Existing Housing
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Owner Occupied Homes 13. Fund more Warm Front top-ups 13.1 Seek funding for Warm Front top-ups each year as needed HSdM Annually TBC pa £5000 budget for 2009-10 Homes improved
14. Work with Orbit Care & Repair to ensure the Handyman Service is available to help all elderly and infirm households 14.1 Monitor the Handyman service via monthly reports and Advisory Board meetings and agree changes as necessary HSdM Ongoing Staff time Ongoing All elderly and infirm households able to access the service as necessary
15. Make Kickstart equity release and loan products available 15.1 Implement Kickstart in East Staffordshire in conjunction with partners HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Decision Feb 2010. Launched Mar 2010 Residents improve their homes using loans
16. Promote and encourage home-owners to take up Warm Front and CERT grants 16.1 Review the recent promotional activity of CERT providers and Warm Front and plan for next year HSdM Mar-10 Staff time   200 Warm Front grants pa from 2010-11
17. As funding becomes available from commuted sums, design and introduce a grant scheme to help households   who cannot make use of equity release or loan products to make their homes suitable  17.1 Include a scheme in Future IBHI HPM 2012 Staff time   Residents homes are improved using available funding
Private Rented Homes 18. Introduce pro-active inspection and enforcement 18.1 Review the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy and revise as necessary HSdM Dec-10   Sub-standard properties identified and improved
18.2 Develop and adopt a new Housing Standards Enforcement Policy HSdM Jul-10 Staff time    
19. Increase information for and engagement with landlords and agents 19.1 Engage through a Landlords Forum (See Action 5.27) HSdM Ongoing Staff time Meetings held  Landlords are aware of services and comply with standards and best practice
19.2 Add information for Landlords to the council’s website including Landlords Newsletters HSyM Completed    
20. Investigate extending licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation, accepting that the relevant criteria may not be satisfied 20.1 Investigate whether the Housing Act criteria for additional HMO licensing are satisfied and decide whether or not to pursue   HSdM Feb-11 Staff time   Decision 
21. Consider introducing an accreditation scheme 21.1 Decide whether to pursue accreditation in the light of the Government’s response to the Rugg Review  HSyM 2011 Staff time   Decision
Empty Properties 22. Close down the Voluntary Leasing Scheme  22.1 Formally agree to close the scheme  HSyM Sep-09 Staff time Scheme formally closed. Work carried out to identify problem properties Scheme closed
23. Use enforcement powers to address nuisance properties 23.1 Actively use enforcement powers to respond to complaints HSdM Ongoing Staff time   Nuisance eliminated
24. Review the strategic response in 2010 24.1 Following production of the Housing Choice SPD, decide whether a new strategic response to empty properties is needed HSyM Dec-10 Staff time   Decision on way forward
Social Sector Homes 25. Work with Housing Associations to plan the future for sheltered housing stock 25.1 Agree strategy for dealing with hard to let sheltered housing with Housing Associations HSyM 2011 Staff time   A plan of action if appropriate
Access to social rented housing 26. Work with partners to promote the move to UChoose and the new allocations policy 26.1 Introduce the new East Staffordshire Housing Register brand and the link with UChoose.  HSyM Completed June 2009 Staff time   98% of social housing is now allocated to Housing Register applicants
 
27. Encourage other Housing Associations to join Choice Based Lettings 27.1 Secure decisions from Housing Associations about Housing Register partnership and CBL. HSyM Completed May 2009 Staff time  
28. Review the working of Choice Based Lettings 28.1 Work with partners to consult customers about their experiences of Choice Based Lettings, particularly those who are vulnerable, and to improve as necessary  HSyM Dec-10 Staff time   Customers are happy with Choice Based Lettings and vulnerable customers are fully benefiting from it
29. Update the nominations agreement 29.1 Introduce a replacement nominations agreement for Housing Associations participating in Choice Based Lettings  HSyM Mar-11 Staff time   Nominations provide customers with easy access to housing
30. Monitor implementation of the allocations policy and review as necessary 30.1 Introduce monitoring of allocations through quarterly reports to the Housing Forum   HSyM Ongoing  Staff time Introduced from October 2009 Customers are seen to be treated fairly 
5.9 Review the Housing Allocations Policy including its impact on homelessness and revise as necessary HSyM Jan-11 Staff time   The allocations policy is improved as necessary
Chapter 3 New Supply of Housing
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Amount of new housing 31a. Accommodate the building of 12,900 new homes 31.1 Ensure the Core Strategy and Site Allocations and Policies documents are consistent with accommodating the required number of new homes PPM Jul-10 Staff time   The required number of new homes can be built
31b. Oppose any increase in this number
31c. Conform with the revised Regional Spatial Strategy unless it [the Council] can justify otherwise
Growth Point 32. Work with partners through the Delivery Vehicle to deliver Growth and associated infrastructure 32.1 Adopt a Growth Point Business Plan  HGPD Nov-09 Staff time   The required number of new homes is built
32.2 Encourage developers of stalled housing developments to apply to the HCA Kick Start programme  HGPD Ongoing Staff time  
Local Development Framework 33. Implement the Local Development Scheme 33.1 Implement the Local Development Scheme PPM May-12 Staff time   Local Development Framework complete
34. Complete the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 34.1 Complete Phase 2 of the SHLAA PPM Jul-09 Planning Policy budget   Land available for new housing development is identified
34.2 Update the SHLAA  PPM Dec 2009 and then annually Staff time  
35. Consider the need for further design guidance 35.1 Consider the need for further housing design guidance in the Housing Choice SPD PPM Apr-10 Staff time   New homes are of high quality design
Chapter 4: Housing Support and the needs of specific groups
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Housing support services 36. Actively engage in the development of the Staffordshire Supporting People Strategy 36.1 Participate in development of the Housing, Support & Independence Strategy  HSyM County Council Timetable Staff time All meetings attended The strategy addresses the needs of residents in East Staffordshire
37. Publicise housing support services 37.1 Publicise housing support services  HSyM On-going from Sept 2009 Staff time On-line. ES News October 2009.  Those in need of support services access them
37.2 Participate in the steering groups for the new borough-wide floating support services HSyM On-going Staff time Contract awarded to Carr Gomm. 
The housing needs of elderly people 38. Continue to work with partners to develop the proposed Extra-Care development on Anglesey Road 38.1 Support Trent & Dove’s bid for HCA funding HSyM As necessary Staff time £4m funding agreed by HCA Scheme built
The housing needs of young people 39. Convene a Youth Housing Forum 5.15 Convene a Youth Housing Forum to identify and develop housing pathways for young people (Revised action) HSyM Ongoing from June 2009 Staff time Meetings held Jun 09, Sep 09, and Dec 09 Young people are suitably housed
The housing needs of people with disabilities 40. Monitor DFG delivery times 40.1 Working with partners, adopt an improved process to assisting residents needing adaptations to their properties (DFGs) HSdM Sep-10 Staff time   Customers receive the required level of service
41. Review partnership arrangements if targets are not achieved
42. Review guidance for applicants 42.1 Produce an improved explanatory leaflet and information pack for DFG applicants HSdM Nov-10 Staff time   Residents fully understand their options 
43. Develop and introduce a scheme to help people move house as an alternative to DFG grant 43.1 Identify and develop viable alternatives to DFG-funded adaptations HSdM HSyM Sep-10 Staff time   Needs met in appropriate and value for money way
44. Share access to adapted social rented housing with South Derbyshire District Council if investigations show that this would be worthwhile
The housing needs of the BME population 45. Improve equality monitoring of the Council’s housing services 45.1 Extend equalities monitoring to all Housing services  HSdM HSyM Mar-10 Staff time   Any issues are identified and addressed
45.2 Carry out self-assessment against the Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Housing and report to Cabinet HSdM Mar-11 HSyM  
46. Research whether BME households need additional housing choice 9.1 Undertake intelligence gathering on the types of housing needed by BME households HSyM Mar-10 Staff time Larger Housing Survey March 2010 to identify need The Housing Choice SPD provides for housing to meet BME need
The housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers 47. Consider the findings of the GTAA and the need for new pitches 47.1 Update the evidence in the GTAA to establish the extent of genuine and proven need given provision elsewhere HSyM 2011 Staff time   Pitches available to Gypsies and Travellers in accordance with need
47.2 Allocate a site(s) in the Core Strategy if needed PPM May-12 Staff time  
48. Work with partners to promote housing support services more effectively to Gypsies and Travellers 48.1 Visit the existing Gypsies and Travellers site in Burton with information  HSyM Sep-09 Staff time Visited September 2009 Residents are aware of the services available
49. Consider the most appropriate way to monitor take-up of services by Gypsies and Travellers 49.1 Include Gypsies and Travellers as an ethnic group in new Equality Monitoring Guidance EO Jul-09 Staff time New guidance issued July 2009 The Council will monitor use of services by Gypsies and Irish Travellers from April 2010
Chapter 5: Housing and neighbourhood management
Theme Strategy Action Who By When By ESBC Resources Progress to date Desired Outcome
Housing management 50. Support social landlords to exercise effective housing management 50.1 Provide standing opportunity to discuss issues at Housing Forum meetings HSyM Ongoing Staff time   Tenants and neighbours are happy
50.2 Engage with landlords in response to complaints or concerns HSyM Ongoing Staff time No issues to date
Neighbourhood management 51. Implement the chosen model of neighbourhood working 51.1 Appoint Neighbourhood Co-ordinators to cover each of three neighbourhood areas PoPM Jun-09 Core budget Appointed Local intelligence is reflected in local priorities
Inner Burton 52a. Develop a spatial masterplan for inner Burton 52.1 Finalise IBHI Two Plan and start to implement HPM Sep-09 Staff time £1.4m Scheme underway 74 properties improved
52.2 Prepare a Future IBHI Delivery Plan with the HCA and other partners HPM Mar-10 Staff time   Regeneration of inner Burton
52b Seek funding to implement the masterplan

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East Staffordshire Borough Council, The Maltsters, Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1LS
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