Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor John Smith.

The decisions from the meeting held on 3rd December 2012 were agreed as a correct record of the decisions taken.

None disclosed.

Report H&N0312 from the Head of Housing and Neighbourhoods

(Enclosure)

Decision:

To approve the Tenancy Strategy for adoption as appended to report H&N0312 subject to the Equality Impact Assessment being clarified and approved with the Portfolio Holder for Grow the Economy and Economic Development (Equality Champion) and the Portfolio Holder for Good Housing.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)              Report H&N0312 from the Head of Housing & Neighbourhoods.

2)              The requirement for Local Authorities to publish a local Tenancy Strategy as set out in the Localism Act 2011 setting out matters which registered providers of social housing should have regard to when formulating policies.

3)              Consultations carried out with stakeholders at a housing consultation event in December 2012 at which a wide range of agencies with an interest in housing attended.

4)              Legislation requiring a strategy to be in place by 15th January 2013.

5)              Recommendations from the Communities PDG.

6)              Comments from Registered Providers.

7)              Comments from tenants and prospective tenants.

8)              Consultation with the Community Focus Forum on 28th November 2012.

9)              Comments made at the meeting by the Head of Housing & Neighbourhoods.

10)           Comments made with regard to typographical errors.

11)           Comments made in connection with the e-mail received from Councillor Morgan on behalf of the Labour Group.

12)           Comments made about the Equality Impact Assessment and the need to clarify certain references within the document.

Other Options considered:

None - there is a legal requirement to publish a tenancy strategy.

Report PLA967 from the Portfolio Holder for Grow the Economy and Economic Development

(Enclosure)

Decision:

That the submitted Grantham Area Action Plan (October 2011) is withdrawn.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)              Report PLA967 from the Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

2)              The hearings held by the Inspector raised concerns over the cumulative number of modifications required.

3)              Legislative changes introduced by the National Planning Policy Framework which impact on the plan.

4)              The need to address the concerns raised by the Inspector about the absence of mechanisms to deal with short-term delays in the delivery of housing.

5)              The withdrawal of the Plan did not prevent the Council from progressing with the councils and partners key priorities for Grantham including the Sustainable Extensions (SUE).

6)              Comments made by Members at the meeting.

Decisions CO34 and CO35 as made on 7th January 2013 can be implemented by Wednesday 16th January 2013, unless subject to call-in by the Scrutiny Committee Chairman or any five members of the Council from any political groups.