'Fair' Housing Services With A Strong Vision For The Future

Housing inspectors have acknowledged Dover District Council's 'strong vision for the future of Dover and its housing supply' and have rated strategic housing services 'fair' in an independent report released today.

The Audit Commission report includes recognition of: easy customer access to housing support; an increased focus on homelessness prevention, which is reducing the numbers becoming homeless; work on planning policies to support delivery on new housing is progressing well; and the delivery of new affordable rural housing is already helping to meet identified community needs.

The inspectors gave strategic housing services a 'fair'/one star rating. It identified effective use of grants and loans to improve housing conditions in the private sector, and significant progress in delivering affordable housing. However, there are still some gaps in key housing strategies and plans, and further work needs to be done to reduce numbers in temporary accommodation, for which the Council is delivering a robust action plan.

Cllr Mrs Sue Nicholas, DDC Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing said: "We are pleased that inspectors have acknowledged positive progress and the Council's strong vision for the future, and although we recognise there is work to be done in housing, we look forward to continuing to work with partners in the community for an exciting future."

A copy of the inspectors' report can be read on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports