Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations for the Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2030 were approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision at stake is the adoption of the Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2029 by the UK council's Cabinet.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to adopt the Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2030 to address local housing challenges and support wider work on housing need.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it reflects current Government policy, local housing needs, and the Council's ambitions for housing delivery.
affected_stakeholders: ["Councillors", "Residents", "Local Housing Authorities"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1733
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability introduced the report on behalf of Councillor Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning that seeks Cabinet approval to adopt the Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2029. This follows a public consultation from 21st January 2025 to 15 April 2026, the Residents Engagement Panel on 19 May, and recommendations from Overview Committee on 11 June 2026. The Cabinet discussed the report, and the following points were made: An updated strategy was required to support the Regulation 19 Local Plan and future housing growth and priorities and providing context for planning and development decisions. The draft strategy had been informed by public consultation, including feedback from resident engagement groups and Overview Committee, with amendments made in response to comments received. This reflected current Government policy, local housing needs and the Council’s ambitions for housing delivery. Members welcomed the document as a clear and evidence-based framework for addressing local housing challenges, including affordability pressures and housing need. Emerging housing standards and policy changes, including considerations relating to climate resilience and housing quality, had been incorporated within the strategy. Officers advised that delivery would be monitored through a future action plans and performance measures, linked to the adoption and implementation of the Regulation 19 Local Plan. Cabinet welcomed the strategy as an important framework to guide future housing provision and support wider work on housing need, homelessness and rough sleeping. It was noted that a separate strategy on homelessness and rough sleeping was currently being consulted on. It was then proposed, seconded and when put to a recorded vote RESOLVED: That the Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2030 be adopted. Record of the voting: For (4): Councillors Baldock, Chris Cornell, Dawkins, Nolan Against (0) Abstained (0) Reason for decision: The Draft Housing Strategy 2026-2029 sets out the council’s strategic approach to housing for the period up to local government reorganisation and leaves the new authority a sound legacy without fettering its discretion.
Date of Decision: June 30, 2026