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Housing strategy

Housing strategy 2005 to 2010: Summary

The Calderdale Housing Strategy sets out how the Council and its partners plan to meet the need for different types and tenures of housing in Calderdale over the next few years. It also says how we are going to address the unsatisfactory housing conditions that some residents currently experience, meet the housing and support needs of vulnerable people and make our neighbourhoods safe places to live.

The Housing Strategy is influenced by national, regional and sub regional agendas and is intrinsically linked to a wide range of other local strategies, including those for planning, regeneration, community cohesion, health and social care and community safety.

The Strategy has six strategic objectives and sets out priorities for action in a plan that includes clear targets, assigns responsibility for delivery and details resource requirements.

Key issues

Affordability, availability and choice of housing

• House prices have risen significantly in recent years and have made it very difficult for local first time buyers to enter the housing market.
• Rents in a significant proportion of the private rented sector are unaffordable for people on low incomes and housing benefit.
• The demand for social rented housing is increasing, but supply is decreasing.
• Allocation policies for social rented housing are complex and difficult to understand.

Condition and suitability of the existing Housing stock

• A significant proportion of the private housing stock is in poor condition and has a low level of energy efficiency.

Linking housing initiatives to the regeneration agenda

• There is a need to improve the link between housing and regeneration activity to ensure that areas of older housing are improved.
• We need to make full use of the opportunities provided by physical regeneration initiatives to develop construction skills and social enterprise activities.
• There is a need to make sure that Calderdale does not become a dormitory town for neighbouring Cities.

Meeting diverse needs and fostering community cohesion

• Preventing homelessness and meeting the needs of vulnerable people is a key issue for the future.

• Tackling antisocial behaviour and hate crime are important concerns for Calderdale residents.

Addressing health and housing issues

• 17% of Calderdale residents experience fuel poverty.
• Homeless people in Calderdale are more likely to suffer from poor physical, mental and emotional health than the rest of the population of the Borough.
• Accidents in the home are a major cause of injury for children and older people.

Priorities for action

Affordability, availability and choice of housing

• Increase the supply and range of affordable housing options, particularly in high demand and rural areas and ensure that new provision meets the needs of all communities in Calderdale.
• Implement a Choice Based Lettings System for Social Housing that allows for local lettings policies.
• Improve how we monitor housing markets, update and make full use of the 2005 Housing Requirements Study.

Condition and suitability of the existing Housing stock

• Work with our partners to develop an integrated investment plan to achieve homes that meet modern living requirements and are in neighbourhoods where people want to live.
• Reduce the number of vulnerable people living in non-decent homes, increase the number of energy efficient homes and help and encourage home-owners to maintain their homes.
• Identify opportunities for remodelling unsuitable housing and secure the funding for the work required.
• Develop good private sector landlord management standards in the district.
• Ensure that new housing development is sustainable.

Linking housing initiatives to the regeneration agenda

• Balance the opportunities for new residential use of older mill and commercial buildings with a need to sustain local employment opportunities.
• Ensure that we take full advantage of the powers available to address empty homes.

• Develop initiatives to prevent homelessness and prevent homeless people and other vulnerable groups to find and keep a settled home.
• Ensure homeless people are able to access health services and work with partners to undertake health promotion work amongst homeless people.

Promoting Community safety

• Reduce the incidence of antisocial behaviour and develop initiatives to help perpetrators address their behaviour.
• Encourage people experiencing domestic violence and hate crime to report incidents, but also implement measures to reduce repeat victimisation.

• Implement our Affordable Warmth Strategy.
• Work with partners to raise awareness of home safety.

If you would like this information in another format (e.g. Braille, large print, audio tape or computer file), or another language, please contact the Housing Strategy team on 01422 393266.

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