Agenda item

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Housing, which sought permission to consult with the public and key stakeholders on the draft Aberdeen City Local Housing Strategy as found in Appendix 1 to the report.

It was noted that as per the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, when required to do so by the Scottish Ministers, a local authority must prepare a Local Housing Strategy (LHS). The LHS set out the strategy, priorities and plans for the delivery of housing and related services over a 5 year period.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)          note the draft Aberdeen City Local Housing Strategy in Appendix 1;

(b)          approve the minor changes made to the seven strategic priorities following further analysis of data, consideration of research, and engagement with partners and stakeholders as outlined at paragraph 3.8;

(c)          instruct the Chief Officer - Housing to consult with the public and key stakeholders on the draft Local Housing Strategy between 24 March 2025 and 18 May 2025, as outlined at paragraphs 3.11 – 3.20, including academics linked to the Health Determinants Research Collaboration; and

(d)          instruct the Chief Officer - Housing to report the findings of the consultation, alongside a revised Local Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan which would be updated to incorporate any necessary changes following the review of the consultation responses, to the August meeting of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee for formal approval and implementation.

The Committee heard from Mel Booth, Senior Housing Strategy Officer, who spoke in furtherance of the report and answered questions from Members.

The Convener moved, seconded by the Vice Convener:-

That the Committee approve the recommendations contained in the report.

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as an amendment:-

          That the Committee -

1.            instructs the Chief Officer – Housing to include a section in the draft Aberdeen City Local Housing Strategy on the housing emergency declared by Aberdeen City Council, detailing actions being taken and Smart Targets;

2.            agree a key component missing from the draft Aberdeen City Local Housing Strategy was how the Council worked in association with the Council acting as the Planning Authority and instructs the Chief Officer – Housing to include a section to reflect this;

3.            agree that, if the Council wishes to move forward on its agenda of prevention and early intervention, it must fully grasp the need to be flexible on planning considerations especially for housing for those with disabilities or mental health problems and for bariatric care;

4.            instructs the Convener of the Communities Housing and Public Protection Committee to write to the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, informing him of the Committee’s view that the only way in which the objectives outlined within the draft Aberdeen City Local Housing Strategy will become reality is if we all work together to bring the strategy to fruition;

5.            instructs the Chief Officer - Housing to consult with the public and key stakeholders on the draft Local Housing Strategy between 24 March 2025 and 18 May 2025, as outlined at paragraphs 3.11 – 3.20, including academics linked to the Health Determinants Research Collaboration; and

6.            instructs the Chief Officer - Housing to report the findings of the consultation, alongside a revised Local Housing Strategy and Delivery Plan which will be updated to incorporate any necessary changes following the review of the consultation responses, to the August meeting of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee for formal approval and implementation.

On a division, there voted – for the motion (5) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Bouse, Davidson and McLellan – for the amendment (3) – Councillors Cross, Graham and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion and therefore approve the recommendations.