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. 

THAT the Housing Strategy for Herefordshire 2005 – 2008 be approved, subject to any alterations required to achieve Fit for Purpose rating from GOWM.