Outcome area - Housing
In 2003/04 we commissioned and completed a survey, which established the number of properties in disrepair, the number of eyesores and the extent of poor management within the HMO stock. This has informed the strategy the Board have now agreed, which consists of various NM funded initiatives:

• Additional enforcement activity against landlords who fail to comply with legal requirements.
• Employment of a Street Improvement Co-ordinator to encourage voluntary improvements to private sector housing, impacting on the street scene

Constant progress is being made to reduce the number of “eyesores” and “disrepairs” and HMO non-compliances have been tackled and will continue to be however we are pleased to report that in 2003 there were 160 properties in disrepair (external standards), in 2004 this reduced to 128, and in 2003 there were 465 property eyesores, in 2004 this reduced to 372.
The Borough’s agreed private sector housing renewal strategy now clearly focuses on the needs of the NM area.

The ongoing discussions about planning issues relating to density and tenure mix, will continue while we will work with Planning to influence the “Statement of Community Involvement” which will set out how the Council involves communities in planning decisions and planning policies.

The Landlord Accreditation scheme was launched, encouraging and recognising high standards.

Our Street Improvement Co-ordinator has also organised a variety of projects to engender pride and care in the area, such as the “Lick of Paint” day and “Blooming Marvellous” campaign.