RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet adopted Merton’s Housing Delivery Strategy and action plan.

The Chair began the meeting by paying tribute to the work of former Councillor Tobin Byers.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and the Climate Emergency presented the report on increasing the supply and quality of new homes. Following Cabinet approval in July 2021 to consult on the draft strategy, a public consultation had taken place in 2021. The Cabinet Member thanked all those who had responded to this. The report had looked at a number of streams including, need, density, specialist homes and using and improving existing stock. The draft strategy was being introduced in addition to other policies and strategies including the Local Plan, the Climate Strategy and action plan and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

It was noted that the introduction of a HRA had been extensively examined however was not viable at this stage. The establishment of a Housing Investment Fund was also being investigated.

The Cabinet Member thanked the consultants and staff who had contributed to the report and it was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet adopted Merton’s Housing Delivery Strategy and action plan.