Communities and Local Government
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- Housing
- Housing strategy and performance
- Local authority strategic housing role
- Housing strategies (local authorities)
Housing strategies (local authorities)
The statutory guidance, Creating Strong, Safe, and Prosperous Communities published by Communities and Local Government, on 9 July 2008, reaffirms that housing is at the heart of place shaping and encourages local authorities to take full and proper account of housing as part of the strategic vision for the area.
The guidance also confirms that, where possible, housing strategies and homelessness strategies, should be incorporated within Sustainable Community Strategies, whilst allowing local authorities discretion about how this should be achieved.
This reflects Government's view that housing and the local authority strategic approach to housing should be embedded within place shaping.
It also represents a move away from the current arrangements whereby Government Offices assess housing strategies against fit for purpose criteria. This will allow local authorities more room to deliver on their strategic housing role.
Henceforth, local authorities will have discretion about how, when, and in what format they document their housing strategy. However, whatever format is chosen refreshed strategies are expected to:
- fully reflect the wider vision of the authority and its partners
- reflect a clear and evidenced approach
- provide a strong focus on how partners will deliver their commitments.
Since delivery of the strategic housing role relies on joint-working with partners, authorities are encouraged to work across boundaries/ sub-regionally in considering how to address the needs of all local people across all tenures.
As part of their relationship management, Government Offices will continue to offer help and support to local authorities on housing strategies and delivery of a strategic approach to housing.
