Home in on housing programme – phase 1

Affordable housing targets 

This project will look at targets for affordable housing. We will use data from the council and our partners to do this. We will revise the targets based on the review and aim to reflect the needs of our local population. We will also look at how we monitor and share data to ensure it is accurate and clear.

Affordable housing information and guidance 

This project will develop a definition of affordable housing for Dorset Council. We will look at language and local levels of affordability. As we develop this, we will talk to residents and test good examples used by other councils and seek to address inequalities. 

Home in on housing stakeholder engagement 

This project will ensure we communicate and inform stakeholders well and help them to participate. Projects need to involve our key partners, special interest groups and residents. This work will identify who we need to include, and the consultation needs for each project.

Local Plan/Neighbourhood Plans consultation feedback 

This project means we can contribute to the development of Dorset Councils’ new Local Plan.  We will take an active role in the local plan to address  our residents’ needs and deliver more affordable housing.  

Rural enabling 

This project seeks to build on how we support Community Land Trusts (CLTs).

Children's care provision 

Dorset Council supports many young people and families, and housing is key. This project will link to existing work to collect data at a regional level. We will use this information to inform the development of a new local plan and seek to address gaps. 

Design guides 

A Dorset Council design guide could help meet accessibility needs in local people’s housing. This project will research and consider how effective this could be for Dorset. It will build on work already underway and seek support from building regulations and planning. Any recommendation would aim to inform the Local Plan development.

Housing register downsizing initiative 

We are committed to making the best use of housing stock. This project aims to develop an offer to match people on our housing register who need to downsize and those who are overcrowded. We will do this by working closely with our residents and social landlords.

Children's care commissioning 

Accommodation and support for children and adults is being reviewed. This project will consider the review findings and develop future work.

Data insight and development 

This project will develop one system that holds the council’s data about accommodation and support needs for local people. We will use the data to inform future decisions and to help provide mapping and forecasting. In the future, we aim to include data from partners for example social landlords, support agencies and health.

Empty homes 

We will review our targets for bringing empty homes back into use. We seek to expand this work and the project will make recommendations about how we could do that. 

Building healthy communities - Local Plan development 

This project will link to the development of a new Local Plan for Dorset. We aim to increase the development of homes with improved housing standards. The project will make recommendations about new housing focussed on key aspects:

• design
• energy efficiency
• adaptability
• access to outside space

Children Services young and thriving plan 

In this project we will link with Dorset Council's Children’s Services and support them as they develop a new Young & Thriving Plan. We will identify any future projects that could support them and the young people they work with.

Strategic partner model 

This is linked to the new models of delivery project. The project will consider the option to develop council land with strategic partners to meet the needs of local people. It will make recommendations supported by a business case.

Registered provider performance 

This project will build on the positive existing relationships with our registered providers. Working closely with our partners, we will develop and share new performance measures. The project will help to identify positive outcomes for local people and areas for improvement.

Temporary accommodation portfolio 

Temporary accommodation needs to be suitable for homeless households. It should be the right amount of accommodation and meet a range of needs. 

This project will review the stock and ensure it is cost effective and meets a minimum standard. 

Temporary accommodation information and guidance 

We know it is important for people and partners to have useful and up to date information about how to access temporary accommodation. 

This project will review all the information we provide. It will update and enhance the information to improve understanding and access. 

Sustainable homes partnerships 

This project will support work to deliver the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy. It will consider how to support a range of actions already identified:

• overcoming barriers to retrofitting
• encouraging wider use of low carbon tech
• community energy schemes
• energy flexibility opportunities

Accessible homes policy and strategy 

Dorset Council has data and strategic plans about the development of homes for older or disabled people. This project will review that information and link it to the data and insight project. Later, it will revisit the current plans and consider further recommendations.

New models of housing delivery 

We know increasing the supply of housing that local people can afford to buy or rent is key. This project will consider new options to do that and focusses on:

• low cost settled accommodation
• temporary accommodation
• supported and specialist homes
• homes for essential workers for example health care workers

We will provide detailed analysis about a range of options and make recommendations for Dorset.

Exempt rents 

When accommodation includes providing care, support or supervision rents are higher. These are called ‘Exempt Rents’. We will consider developing a council approach for exempt rents.

To do this, the project will review the use of exempt rents in Dorset and consider the benefits and impacts for local people. We will also consider how exempt rents support the development of specialist housing.

Grant funding 

There is a range of funding available across different topics related to building new homes and improving existing homes. Accessing funding can help the council, residents and partners deliver more affordable housing.

This project will review funding and barriers. It will identify how we can use this to make sure homes meet standards such as energy efficiency and accessibility.

Move-On accommodation 

Some of our residents live in supported accommodation. The level of support varies, and people can move between high and low support according to their needs.

We know there is a lack of accommodation available for those who are ready to step down the level of support they need. This project will review the availability of this move-on accommodation. It will identify gaps and look at best examples from other areas.

We will identify solutions and make recommendations that reflect the needs of local people.

Dorset private landlords 

Increase Forum Membership: Launch a campaign to attract more landlords to join the forum, ensuring representation across all areas. Understand barriers to making property adaptations that meet the needs of tenants; gather data and identify incentives to encourage works.  Review and explore enhancements to current incentives for landlords working with the council and Dorset’s homeless households. Explore best practices and produce cost-benefit analysis. 

Strategic asset management plan  

Dorset Council has a Strategic Asset Management Plan. It will be reviewed, and this project will link to that work.

We will provide data and insight for the review. We aim to ensure the plan reflects the housing strategy objectives and other project recommendations.

Domestic abuse strategy 

Dorset Council will review its Domestic Abuse Strategy. This project will link with that work. We will share data and insight and identify housing requirements.

We aim to ensure future housing delivery reflects the needs of this group.