To receive a report on the West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy 2005 and Strategy for Allocating the Regional Housing Pot for 2006-08 which form the basis of regional housing policy and investment priorities across the West Midlands Region.

THAT  (a)         the contents of the West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy 2005 and the Strategy for Allocating the Regional Housing Pot for 2006-08 be noted;

and

(b)the development of increased partnership working between Herefordshire Council and the Shropshire local housing authorities identified within the West Housing Market Area (HMA), as proposed by the Regional Housing Strategy, be endorsed;

and

(c)it be noted that there may be additional revenue and staffing costs associated with supporting the development of co-operative working across the West Housing Market Area and a further report for consideration identifying such costs, once these have been evaluated, be submitted to a future meeting of Cabinet. 

The West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) provides the framework for setting directions and priorities for action to address identified housing issues within the West Midlands Region up to 2021. The Regional Allocations Strategy (RAS) describes the public investment from the Regional Housing Pot (RHP) which will be invested during 2006-08 against the priorities set by the RHS. Taken together, the strategies directly impact on the resources available to the Council and its partners, in future years.

There are no alternative options.

The consultation has been completed.  A consultation event in March 2005 included a range of stakeholders and agencies included in Housing-related strategies in Herefordshire.

Government Office West Midlands.