MEMBERS of the regeneration and economy overview and scrutiny committee were tonight given an update on the Council's progress towards the five-year strategy objectives for "A Place To Call Home" which were agreed by full Council in March 2014.

Sarah Holmes, access to housing manager said the objectives covered a wide range of issues from increasing the number of additional homes available; ensuring housing is free from hazards and are safe and healthy; an adequate supply of affordable homes to buy or rent; and support independence and prevent homelessness.

She said performance against success measures revealed 947 private sector homes had been improved following intervention during 2016/2017; a 5.7 per cent increase in the previous year. 

Elsewhere the average length of stay in bed and breakfast accommodation by people made homeless has been reduced from an average of 13 days three years ago to 8.6 days this year. 

But, there were increases in the number of households accepted as homeless over the past three years to 413; a 19 per cent increase.

However, an improvement in the number of housing advice cases which successfully prevented people becoming homeless, and remain in accommodation had doubled in three years to 4,918.

"Good progress has been made but there are considerable challenges ahead," she said.

On fuel poverty, Ms Holmes said it continued to be a significant issue in the district affecting 30,380 households.

Councillor Rizwana Jamil, (Labour, Bowling and Barkerend) said: "Is there anything more we can do to be more proactive for those in fuel poverty?"

Ms Holmes said there were schemes such as an energy repayment loan to help people make improvements though uptake was small. 

"We also have a small amount of funding we can help owner-occupiers with.

"Tenanted properties present other problems but we are looking at possible energy efficiency loans for landlords but it is early days."

Committee members voted to welcome the report and asked for an update in February.