Stratford-on-Avon District Council to establish Housing Delivery Company

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is another step closer to establishing a new Housing Delivery Company in the District.  

The District Council's Full Council has today, Tuesday 24 April agreed to establish a Housing Delivery Company, subject to a further detailed business case.  

Councillor Peter Richards, Housing and Infrastructure Portfolio says: "This is a great step forward and a key milestone for the delivery of houses in the district and generating some crucial income for the Council.  

"The District Council has been examining options for influencing the local housing market since July 2015.  Last September a detailed report was requested by The Cabinet in order to further inform the consideration of a housing company.   This report has now been considered by Cabinet and Council along with recommendations which will allow the principle for a Council owned housing company and any other company which supports the housing company, to move to the next stage of development."  

In September The Cabinet agreed to commission a detailed business plan as a first stage in the creation of a housing company.  This report was presented to The Cabinet yesterday, Monday 23 April before going to Full Council.  The report is a comprehensive assessment of the options available to the Council and of the management and resource requirements for the company, if established.  

The key strategic objectives of establishing a Housing Delivery Company are:

Maximise the Council's financial return from the disposal of its land and property assets, with a preference to generate a secure revenue income stream(s).

Secure local economic growth.

Better utilise the Councils assets to drive socio economic change to secure a sustainable future for the benefit of the community.

Positively contribute towards the Councils medium/long term financial strategy.

Ensure the Council is not exposed to undue financial risk.

Improve the environment.

Increase housing supply and in particular the level of affordable housing offered within the Councils geographical boundary, either through self-delivery or acquisition.

Contribute to ensuring that businesses are encouraged to invest in Stratford.