Year 2 (2023 - 2024)
Priority 1 – Making best use of existing homes, improving housing quality and sustainability
1.1 Ensure efficient use of existing housing stock
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Investigate occupation levels (under-occupation and overcrowding) to inform downsizing or mutual exchanges |
Analyse data from RPs, housing register and needs research. Update Members during 2023–24. Investigate a pilot project with RPs and support agency. |
Housing Strategy & Enabling Manager |
|
Design and implement Empty Homes Policy |
New Policy agreed. Re-start corporate empty homes group meetings. Policy implemented by March 2024. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
1.2 Improve property conditions to provide safe, healthy homes
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Engage with RPs to agree a Memorandum of Understanding on handling property condition complaints |
Implement agreed joint working to address complaints. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
|
Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) |
Participate in GSE Net Zero Hub consortium. Procure managing agent. Upgrade 15 eligible off-gas EPC D or below homes in 2023–24. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
|
Report on impact of Renters Reform Bill |
Report to Members by March 2024, including implications and new duties (e.g. Decent Homes Standard). |
Housing Improvement Manager |
|
Review process and approach to HMO licensing |
Review HMO data and current processes; implement actions during 2023–24. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
Priority 2 – Improving housing options and preventing homelessness
2.1 Develop a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Use local intelligence and data to develop a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy |
Strategy and action plan approved by end of 2023–24. |
Housing Solutions Manager |
2.2 Provide personalised housing options advice focused on prevention
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Seek customer feedback to improve service provision and customer experience |
Ensure customers feel supported and able to access services easily. Promote collaborative working within teams. |
Housing Solutions Manager |
|
Promote and improve Duty to Refer |
Deliver informal training to less engaged partners. Improve monitoring and data collection on referrals. |
Housing Solutions Manager |
2.3 Help rough sleepers into settled accommodation
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Tender for RSI-funded service delivery |
Tender and appoint by September 2023. |
SHP & Rough Sleeping Coordinator |
2.4 Ensure vulnerable groups and those with complex needs have access to support
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Work with partners to support vulnerable people |
Continue work with KCC during transition funding for support services throughout 2023–24. |
Housing Solutions Manager |
2.5 Improve links with private landlords
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Develop the Private Landlord Offer |
Continue developing and improving the landlord offer. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
|
Improve and extend engagement with private landlords |
Deliver West Kent Landlord Forum events. Develop local networking or workshop events. |
Housing Improvement Manager / Head of Housing & Health |
2.6 Minimise use of nightly paid accommodation and secure alternative provision
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Research and consider options for property acquisition or leasing |
Use Housing Advisor Programme funding to research sustainable TA delivery. Preferred options reported to Members by end of 2023–24. TA Strategy to follow. Aim to secure 30–40 Council-controlled units. |
Housing Strategy & Enabling Manager |
|
Establish approach for managing Council-controlled TA |
Agreed management approach and contract in place by November 2023, scalable for future units. |
Head of Housing & Health |
Priority 3 – Delivering the homes residents need
3.3 Consider Council’s proactive role in housing delivery
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Reflect on TA delivery recommendations relevant to affordable housing |
Consider HAP sustainable TA recommendations applicable to wider affordable housing delivery, including potential future Local Housing Company actions (Year 3). |
Head of Housing & Health |
Priority 4 – Working in partnership
4.1 Partnership working with local authorities and Kent Housing Group
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Engage with regional colleagues through active KHG participation |
KHOG: Finalise implementation of Huume for CBL. Contribute to Kent & Medway Housing Strategy. |
All Housing Service teams |
4.2 Engage with Registered Providers and developers
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Work with RPs to maintain and improve housing management services |
Develop monitoring and engagement approach; review cases and updates. Links to Priority 1. |
Head of Housing & Health |
|
Develop approach for regular engagement and monitoring of RPs |
Hold bi-annual meetings with major RPs; annual meetings with smaller RPs. First meetings in 2023–24. |
Housing Strategy & Enabling Manager |
4.3 Work with health colleagues
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Joint commissioning with LA partners (handyperson, hospital discharge, hoarding services) |
Investigate joint commissioning; report to Members. Complete project proposal, commissioning and implementation by end of 2023–24. |
Housing Improvement Manager |
|
Work with health services to deliver integrated services |
Use funding opportunities for projects; continue engagement with West Kent ICP. |
Head of Housing & Health |
4.4 Maximise joint work with commissioned and third-sector partners
|
Action |
Notes and 2023–24 Target |
Lead |
|---|---|---|
|
Commission specialist advice services (e.g., financial advice for TA households) |
Explore use of Household Support Fund for debt advice project. |
Head of Housing & Health |
|
Work with CGL on Tenancy Sustainment Project (KCC commissioned) |
Deliver tenancy sustainment services including hosting and referrals. |
Housing Solutions Manager |