Local Housing StrategyIn June 2002, the Welsh Assembly Government produced new guidance on the preparation of Local Housing Strategies. Essentially, all Local Authorities were advised that their strategies should reflect the Community Strategy, and be consistent with other corporate strategies and plans.
It was expected that relevant stakeholders were given the opportunity to participate in the formulation of the strategy along with the local community, who were also to be allowed to express their views. To achieve these outcomes, we established a Strategic Housing Partnership in the summer of 2003, and after a meeting of the forum in June 2003 a sub-group of officers from the Council and key stakeholders was established to drive through the development of the Housing Strategy.
In addition to these groups, the council contacted 196 stakeholders to invite then to our 'Quest for Quality Homes' in Merthyr Conference which was held on 18th September 2003. This event was attended by 86 members of the public and representatitives from key stakeholders' organisations. The draft Housing Strategy was sent to 261 stakeholders to seek their views on the document, after which the sub-group met to consider the comments received from consultees and make amendments to the Strategy.
Our Quest for Quality Homes Strategy was sent to the Welsh Assembly Government in April 2004. Essentially, the document sets five key aims, which include:
- Ensure that a home is available to all
- Create Safer, More confident Communities
- Achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard
- Regenerate communities
- Improve health, social care and well-being
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