To seek Cabinet’s approval to launch a consultation on the draft Housing Strategy 2026-30.

RESOLVED that Cabinet - 

(a)     agrees to launch a consultation on the draft Housing Strategy 2026 – 30 on the basis that a further report will be presented to Cabinet outlining the outcome of that consultation and recommending a final version of the strategy for onward recommendation for adoption by Full Council in January 2026; and

(b)     authorises the Corporate Director (Operations & Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, to approve the consultation questions to be used.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (A.4) which sought Cabinet’s approval to launch a consultation on the draft Housing Strategy 2026-30.

Members were informed that local authorities were not required by Government to have a formal housing strategy, but that they were expected to adopt a strategic approach to housing in their local areas to deliver a thriving housing market and address local needs.

The Council currently had a Housing Strategy that had been approved and adopted by full Council in 2020 as part of its Policy Framework, and which covered a five-year period to 2025. That strategy had included four strategic housing priorities:

1.   Delivering homes to meet the needs of local people

2.   Reducing and preventing homelessness

3.   Making the best use of and improving existing housing

4.   Supporting people in their homes and communities

Cabinet was advised that much of what had been included in the 2020-25 strategy remained relevant, although different approaches were required due to the challenges emerging since 2020.

Members were aware that it had previously been identified by Cabinet through its annual highlight priorities that a revised Housing Strategy should be developed to address the needs of the District and its residents.  This would then shape the delivery of relevant services going forward, including exploring the possibility of working with other authorities in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). 

It was reported that there had been much change recently at central Government level especially in relation to housing policy and the landscape in that respect was clearer over a year on from the general election in 2024. On 2 July 2025, central Government had published a Policy Paper on delivering a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing. This was relevant to the Council in its role as a social housing landlord and as a housing enabler.

It was acknowledged that LGR made the future less certain, with the knowledge that this Council would merge into a new Unitary Authority from 2028. The new Strategy, as drafted, covered the period from 2026 through to 2030, and was proposed for adoption at Full Council in January 2026. This ensured an overlap into the tenure of the new unitary authority that would no doubt want to set out its own strategic approach to housing matters, tying into that of the Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Essex. Through devolution, that mayoral authority would bring a greater voice for Essex on strategic housing and planning matters.

Cabinet was informed that Colchester City Council had a housing strategy covering the period 2022-27 and Braintree District Council’s strategy covered 2023-28. Those Councils, along with Essex County Council would be invited to comment on the draft strategy.

The draft strategy set out notable achievements along with tempered ambitions across four strategic priorities, namely:-

1.   Maintain and improve our existing housing stock.

This focussed on the Council’s role as a landlord and the management of its homes to ensure compliance with statutory obligations along with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64