NEW APPROACH TO TACKLING HOUSING PROBLEMS

A radical new approach is being proposed to help tackle housing problems in Margate Central and Cliftonville West.

A draft Housing Renewal Strategy for the two areas was last night (Tuesday 16 June) approved by Cabinet Members to go out to public consultation. It follows on from the previous Housing Renewal Delivery Plan, which has been in place for the last four years.

The new strategy acknowledges that, despite significant achievements over the last four years, including 130 properties brought up to the Decent Homes Standard and the closure of seven Houses in Multiple Occupation, the private rented sector still remains exceptionally strong in the area. Levels of home ownership are continuing to decline, as properties are converted into private rented accommodation.

As a result, a new approach is being proposed, with poor quality rented accommodation brought under the control and management of Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) who can then convert properties into decent quality rented or shared ownership homes that they retain control of in the short to medium term. The plan is that when the housing market improves and the demand for home ownership increases, a proportion of the homes acquired in this way will then be put up for sale, increasing the percentage of home ownership in the area.

It is hoped that this approach could see the number of privately rented properties reduced by 110 properties each year over a five year period. This would then leave the area 30% of properties in the private rented sector, a substantial reduction on the current situation.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "The problems in Margate Central and Cliftonville West are ones that we are determined to tackle, but as the last few years have shown, doing so will be no easy task. This new draft Housing Renewal Strategy sets out a new, radical approach to tackling the concentrations of deprivation in the area. It's vital that we do something to get a better mix of rented and owner occupied properties. Too much poor quality private rented accommodation has attracted single people, dependent on benefits, to move into the area. Our strategy is heavily dependent upon the support from the government, who need to put in the money to support our proposals. This important document sets out the case for government funding to help us make Cliftonville and central Margate a better place to live for future generations."

To request a copy of the draft strategy, contact the Strategic Housing team on 01843 577280