BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) agreed to adopt its new Housing and Homelessness Strategy (HHS) at a full council meeting last week.

The 2016-20 HHS, proposed by deputy leader of BDBC Cllr Terri Reid, saw members vote in favour of it despite concerns raised by members of the Labour group.

By adopting the new strategy BDBC becomes one of the first council’s to adapt its housing strategy since the Ggovernment announced changes to its own policies.

The strategy will focus on items including increasing the amount of affordable housing delivered in the borough, ensuring residents are informed of and have access to opportunities for affordable home ownership and improving its approach to meeting homelessness needs.

Cllr Terri Reid said: “It gives me enormous pleasure and a deal of pride to present the new reviewed strategy for members’ approval. 

“Some members are aware of the need to review this strategy to reflect national and local changes.

“We undertook extensive public consultations which include housing briefings and maps. Results of consultation were clear. There was massive support from the public for help for first-time buyers.”

She added: “By bringing in this strategy, we are potentially improving quality of life of many of our residents, enabling them to access the market and help with their aspirations.”

Conservative councillor for Winklebury, Cllr Laura Edwards said: “This is a strategy for people like me, and for those who aspire to get their home. This strategy is not just for the few who are in need of social housing.”

Cllr Edwards added: “I am delighted to see we’re now broadening our horizons and ultimately this is a strategy for the many – not just the few.”

The council’s original strategy was prepared in 2012, but due to Government changes on funding, social housing reform, welfare reform and legislative change, a new one was prepared following the general election in May 2015. 

Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke’s Labour group, objected to the plan, stating a debate should be held over the KPIs in the strategy and that the delegated authority should be reviewed.

He said: “It would be good if the whole chamber was confident and we’re not. I think it’s right that if we’re going to delegate authority in this way, there is a point of review.”

He added: “This is a very important constitutional point and, like others in this chamber, this strategy is important to the residents.”

The HHS was also slammed by Labour ward councillor Laura James for its lack of emphasis on empty homes being reused, the homeless second night out strategy and rural housing plans, all KPIs of the original strategy.