Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Housing Officer

Time – 15 mins (Council Function)

The Chief Housing Services Officer submitted a report regarding the Plan for Delivering Affordable Housing in Leeds.  The Chair welcomed Ernie Gray, Housing Strategy Manager to the meeting to deliver a presentation on Making the Housing Ladder Work – The Case for More Affordable Housing.

It was reported that house prices across the City had risen steeply over the past 10 years making it difficult for people to get on the housing ladder.  There had also been a large reduction in social housing which had meant there was a lack of affordable housing in Leeds.  Following the introduction of ‘right to buy’, social housing stock in Leeds had fallen from 96,000 in 1980 to 50,000 in 2006.

Comparisons of house prices and affordability according to income levels across the city were made.  It was reported that in some areas to be able to purchase a property then a mortgage that was seven times the amount of dual income would be required.  Comparisons were also made against price rises across West Yorkshire and the Yorkshire and Humber Region which showed that house prices in Leeds were rising faster than anywhere else in the region.  It was also demonstrated that Leeds prices were rising faster than the national average.

It was reported that steps had been taken  in response to the problems with the lack of affordable housing in Leeds.  These included maintaining the existing affordable housing supply, releasing land at less than market value for development and major regeneration schemes across the city.  Further proposed approaches to creating an affordable housing market included increased release of land, more flexible use of Section 106 agreements and developing relationships with financial institutions.

The following issues were discussed :-

• Land that was released at less than market value should be retained for affordable housing and not sold on for profit at a future date.
• Introductory tenancies and security of tenure.
• Key workers housing schemes.
• Discounted for sale schemes and part ownership.
• Re-conversion of properties back into family accommodation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

(Councillors Rafique and Wadsworth joined the meeting at 4.20 p.m. and Councillor Harker at 4.25 p.m.  Following the arrival of Councillor Wadsworth, Councillor Lancaster vacated the Chair and Councillor Wadsworth was subsequently elected to the Chair).

(Councillor Harker declared a personal interest during the discussion of this item due to his position as an Executive Board Member as did Councillor Wadsworth due to his role as Director of the North East Leeds ALMO).