URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4103

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: In accordance with Minute 378 above, Councillor Cowcher left the meeting whilst this item was discussed and did not take part in any of the deliberations.   Councillor Coles - Housing and Customer Services Portfolio   Consideration was given to proposals to enable local communities to deliver Local Needs/Local Choice rural housing schemes with the Rural Housing Enabler (RHE). The existing Rural Housing Enabler contract with Warwickshire Rural Community Council ran until March 2026.   In receiving the report, it was noted that The Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Communities Housing Strategy 2021-2026 required the Council to consider progress annually and to determine whether the current approach should be continued. It was further noted that appropriate rural housing was highly valued by local communities and often emerged as a key priority within community planning.   The options available to The Cabinet were to endorse the current approach to rural housing activity, to focus on red communities or to support an alternative approach to rural housing activity.   Councillor Crump, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided feedback from the meeting of the OSC held on 26 November 2025 and noted the importance of local involvement, informing local councils of the role of the Rural Housing Enabler through the Parish Forum and highlighting the importance of the local housing needs surveys.   Following which, it was             RESOLVED:   (1)That the continuation of the existing approach to delivering homes for local people in rural parishes, as set out in the agenda report, be endorsed;   (2) That the existing Rural Housing Enabler contract be renewed for a period of three years from April 2026 to March 2029, at a cost of £60,000 per annum; and   (3) That an exemption to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders be granted to allow the direct appointment of Warwickshire Rural Community Council to provide the Rural Housing Enabling role.   Note: In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, this item is not subject to call-in to the OSC   Councillor Cowcher returned to the meeting at this juncture.    

Date of Decision: December 1, 2025