Housing Strategy

Homes play a vital role in a sustainable and cohesive society. The quality of housing impacts on resident’s life expectancy, economic/social opportunities and peoples quality of life. The Housing Strategy Team works with internal and external partners to promote sustainable communities and to ensure the District meets the housing needs of future generations

To achieve this, the team is responsible for:

• Maximising the number of affordable homes in the District. The team works with Housing Associations to identify and agree suitable development sites. It also works with the Planning Department to secure affordable housing through planning agreements/obligations (known as Section 106 Agreements).
• The development and implementation of a Choice Based Lettings scheme. The team are currently assessing the best options for replacing its current housing allocation policy and is working towards introducing a Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
• Working in partnership with Housing Associations who develop and manage housing stock in the District. The team works closely with partner Housing Associations to tackle common issues and problems.
• Producing and monitoring the Council’s Housing Strategy. This document sets out how the Council will meet its current/future housing need for affordable housing in the District. It also identifies key actions and how it intends to meet them. A copy of the 2008-11 Housing Strategy can be downloaded from the link below.
• Increasing housing opportunities for older people and vulnerable groups. The team works with Essex County Council’s Supporting People Programme which provides housing related services to vulnerable people, enabling them to live more independently.
• Working with neighbouring Local Authorities to tackle common housing issues and priorities. The Council is part of the Thames Gateway South Essex (TGSE) sub-region. It works in partnership with Basildon District Council, Castle Point Borough Council, Thurrock Council and Southend-On-Sea Borough Council to tackle cross boundary issues. The TGSE’s Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Sub-Regional Housing Strategy can be downloaded via the links below.

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