Affordable housing targets and Registered Provider Performance
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following the review, it will recommend whether the council should develop a stand-alone accessible homes strategy for approach and delivery.
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.
The project will also 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.
Exempt rents and Supported Housing Strategy
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.
We will also develop a Supported Housing Strategy, setting out how Dorset will monitor and review exempt rent accommodation. This will ensure it is fit for purpose and that costs are reflected in the services offered.
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.
Principal residence
This project aims to report on the impacts of principal resident planning policy decisions in other local authorities. It will evaluate these and produce a findings and recommendation report.
This increased insight will be made available to support Dorset's decision to apply similar planning policies.
Brownfield sites
This project aims to review current planning permissions and proposals for development on brownfield sites. It will identify barriers to the development of homes on these sites, and an understanding of why sites receiving planning permission have not yet been built on.
It will identify and promote opportunities and funding support to deliver homes on these sites.
We will develop new promotional material and an approach to supporting housing development on brownfield sites.