Agenda item

To receive an update on the progress of the priorities identified within the Private Sector Housing Strategy.

Amanda Rogers, local resident addressed the Panel in relation to properties being purchased and renovated, to be used as holiday rentals, such as AirBnB.  The demand for this market raised the prices of properties and was preventing local residents from purchasing properties, in particular those not yet on the housing ladder.

The Panel noted the concerns of the local resident and that the issue crossed over a number of different Council departments, including for example, business rates, planning and economic development.  It was proposed that officers research this matter and present the findings to a future meeting for the Panel.

The Panel received a presentation on the Private Sector Housing Strategy which had been adopted in 2020 (the presentation is attached to these minutes as an Appendix).  A recap was provided of the five strategic priorities and the work carried out to date on each of them, as follows:

Strategic Priority 1 – To achieve high standards in the private sector 

161 property inspections in the private sector had been carried out between April 2020–March 2021.  The inspections had identified 42 Category 1 hazards and had been resolved in cooperation with the landlords.  The District Council currently had 40 licenced HMOs and had been working proactively with hotels which provided staff accommodation to ensure they sought an HMO license, if one was required.

A case study was presented to the Panel of the private sector housing team working with a hotel which provided staff accommodation.  A site visit had been carried out which identified a number of issues, a major one being in relation to fire safety and the lack of a suitable fire exit.  Officers had worked with the hotel, involving Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that this issue be addressed.  An HMO application would be submitted when all the matters of concern had been fully rectified.

Strategic Priority 2 – Enabling Safe Independent Living

167 disabled facilities grant works had been completed between April 2020-March 2021.  Officers continued to support and work in partnership with New Forest Disability Service in order to ensure that residents have access to adaptations and the support needed for those to moving back home from hospital.  A new DFG surveyor had been appointed which would help to reduce the time taken to assess and install adaptations.

Strategic Priority 3 – Empty Homes Strategy

Following approval of the Empty Homes Strategy in September 2021, officers were working with the owners of properties which had been identified as being vacant for two years or more with the aim of bringing them back into occupation. 

Strategic Priority 4 – Energy Efficiency

A range of work was presented to the Panel to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the District.  This included for example joining a consortium with Portsmouth City Council in a bid for a Sustainable Warmth Grant, which if successful could have a value around £32.7 million to upgrade 2,600 across the southern region.

Strategic Priority 5 – Create a fully integrated housing service within the Council

A new fit for purpose IT system had been installed to bring about better integration of services within housing.

The Panel thanked officers for the update.