Housing Needs analysis confirms the need for affordable housing in the two boroughs and delivering new affordable homes will support delivery of Regional Spatial Strategy targets.
However, the long term demand for social housing shows an overall imbalance in the type of stock that is currently provided and the size, type and location we will need for the future.
The overall percentage level of social rented housing is 25% of the total housing stock in the boroughs. Based on national and local research, this is felt to be broadly the right level, albeit some of the stock is of the wrong type and in the wrong place. For example there is a specific need for larger family homes. We will work with social landlords to support them in actively managing their assets in Oldham and Rochdale.
The Programme is therefore to seek to replace rather than to reduce the number of social rented properties in the boroughs and, where appropriate, to seek to mix occupancy either through tenure or income. The two Authorities are already working positively with the private rented sector and seeking to utilise the growth in this sector to provide better quality rented homes. |
