Agenda item - Living Rent

Extract from the proceedings of the Housing & New Homes Committee meeting held on the 23^rd September 2015, together with a report from the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copies attached).

48.1         Councillor Meadows introduced the report which outlined the key challenges and considerations in developing a Living Rent model for housing in the city.  She noted that it was likely to have a material impact on the housing budget and could result in new models of delivery.  As such the report was being referred to the Fairness Commission for consideration and its views would then be taken into account.  She also noted that a definition of a living rent had not been set as yet, but lower rent levels would require support and it was the Administration’s intent to build over a 1,000 new affordable homes in the city.

48.2         Councillor Gibson stated that it was an incredibly complicated issue and welcomed the decision to refer the report to the Fairness Commission.  It was an important issue for the city and aspects such inequalities in rent levels and home ownership needed to be considered.  He noted that current rent levels in the city were preventing people from securing accommodation and that it was an issue which needed cross-party action.  He therefore welcomed the Leader’s recent comments in regard to the creation of a Housing Company.

48.3         The Mayor congratulated Councillor Gibson on his maiden speech on behalf of the council.

48.4         Councillor Mears stated that there was confusion about affordable rent levels and noted that council land may be available for future housing schemes.  However, she believed there was a need to look across all aspects including planning considerations if affordable housing schemes were to come to fruition.

48.5         Councillor Meadows welcomed the comments and stated that incomes were stretched to meet rent levels in the city and this had to be addressed if provision was to be made available.

48.6         The Mayor stated that the report had been referred for information and therefore moved that it be noted.

48.7         RESOLVED: That the report be noted.