Next week, Cabinet members will approve the Council’s New Build and Acquisitions Strategy to enable delivery of the Housing Strategy and wider strategic priorities which support longer-term the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) savings.

In February, Full Council approved the Housing Revenue Account Draft 2024/25 Budget and Capital Investment Proposals for 2024-29. This earmarked £43 million for a five-year Social Housing New Build and Acquisition Programme to deliver 200 new properties into the HRA. This investment supports our priorities and strategic plans, including the Housing Strategy 2024-2028, Homeless Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the Children in Care Strategy.

Cabinet Members will be asked to delegate authority for the Council to authorise and progress acquisitions at pace particularly for care leavers and those in priority bandings. Cabinet will also be asked to give Council Officers authority to develop proposals for new build housing on Council-owned sites.

The Council will look to develop a New Build and Acquisition Working Group to enable collaborative working across service areas and key stakeholders including Berneslai Homes. This will enable a strategic approach to meeting service needs through direct delivery and acquisitions and will report into the existing Housing Board.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: “We want our residents and communities to have a safe and secure home that suits their needs and lifestyle.

“The New Build and Acquisitions Strategy will play a pivotal role in achieving our housing goals over the next five years, providing much-needed affordable housing, and improving the quality of life for our communities."