Priority Number 4 Housing/Homelessness – Addressing the shortage of affordable housing and tackling homelessness

Outcomes:    10

Indicators:

Number of new affordable houses provided annually

% of homeless applicants found to be in priority need

Reduction in the number of breaches of the unsuitable accommodation order

Evidence
The Partnership has identified that addressing the shortage of affordable housing and tackling homelessness are priorities. 
There is an acute shortage of affordable housing in Moray. An update of the housing needs model in 2008 identified that the annual shortfall had increased to 255 units.  This is evidenced by the Housing Needs studies completed in 2001 and 2007. In 2007, the annual shortfall of affordable housing was estimated to be 219 houses per annum for five years. While homelessness applications Scotland wide fell by 4.9% in 2007/08, in Moray homelessness applications increased by 6.8%.   The Council has not met the 2009 interim homelessness target for the abolition of priority need.
Relevance to National Outcome 10
The most significant improvements which can be made in Moray are to address the shortage of affordable housing and to tackle homelessness.
Progress & Achievements in 2008-9
The Council is currently reviewing its Affordable Housing Supplementary Guidance to Developers and in February/March 2009 a consultation is being undertaken on a proposed increase from 20% to 25% for developments of 10 or more houses.  The Council has identified that it is financially feasible for it to pursue a limited Council new build programme of around 80-90 properties over the next three years. The Council has submitted a bid for Scottish Government resources to assist in the funding of a Council new build programme to deliver 80 new Council houses over the next 3 years. 

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