Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Joint Heads of Housing on Housing Issues in Spelthorne Borough (copy attached).

The Committee received a presentation from the Joint Heads of Housing and Independent Living on how the Council is dealing with: homelessness, affordable housing, the winter shelter duty and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

The officers set out the background to the housing issues for Spelthorne, which were influenced by the fact the Borough is surrounded by 3 London Boroughs, all of which had extensive housing need and problems with homelessness. They explained the issues, mainly financial, which impacted on the ability of people in Surrey to access affordable housing.

They explained in more detail the Council’s situation and approach with regards to: homelessness, prevention initiatives, the private rented sector, fraud, access into social housing, affordable housing, Partnership working, winter shelter provision, RSLs and new developments.

Councillor Pinkerton OBE, the portfolio holder for housing, stated that the Council was reviewing all its assets, looking at using them in flexible ways in order to address the need for more housing.

Members of the Committee asked questions relating to preparations for assisting refugees, the problems of under/over occupation of social housing, and the numbers of people currently being placed in Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Resolved to note the report of the Joint Heads of Housing and Independent Living on Housing Issues.