The Cabinet Member for Housing
Services presented a report regarding the development of a new
Housing Strategy, which will replace the existing 2021 – 2025
version. This report sought Cabinet approval to commence a 12-week
public consultation on the draft strategy, after which the final
version would come back to Cabinet for approval.
In response to Members'
questions, it was noted that feedback on the management of previous
consultations would be welcomed. Members were advised that arc4,
the organisation responsible for collating the evidence used to
inform the strategy, had been operating for many years. It was
further noted that representations received during the consultation
process would be taken into account in the final version of the
strategy, which would be presented to Cabinet for approval. Prior
to this, the strategy could be considered by the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee should it wish to do so.
Decision:
Cabinet:
- Noted the work to
date on developing the draft Housing Strategy which was attached at
Appendix 1;
- Approved that formal
public consultation for a period of twelve weeks should be
undertaken to gather views and opinions on the draft Housing
Strategy, ensuring that these are duly considered before a final
version is prepared for Cabinet approval;
- Delegated authority
to the Director of Housing to make any non-material amendments to
the draft strategy, prior to consultation if required;
and
- Noted that following
consultation, a final proposed Housing Strategy and delivery plan
will be submitted to Cabinet for approval and adoption. The
accompanying report will summarise the outcome of the public
consultation.
Reasons for the decision:
- Public consultation
on a housing strategy constitutes a formal decision under the
Council’s governance arrangements and must therefore be
authorised by the Cabinet. This ensures compliance with the
principles of good governance, openness, and
accountability.
- To ensure that the
draft Housing Strategy is subject to meaningful engagement while
proposals remain at a formative stage, in accordance with the
Gunning Principles.
- Consulting residents
and stakeholders, including those with protected characteristics,
enables the Council to gather valuable feedback, local
intelligence, practical expertise, potential equality
impacts/mitigation, and fosters shared commitment to
implementation.
Alternative options considered and rejected:
Retain the existing Housing
Strategy to deliver Bury’s housing priorities and guide
inclusive growth and investment in the borough - This option has
been rejected because the existing Housing Strategy is now outdated
due to changes in national policy, service delivery arrangements
and the findings of a statutory review of housing needs undertaken
in November 2025.