Agenda item

To consider a report oncontributing to health and wellbeing through investment in housing. 

9.1       Dermot Moloney (Senior Regeneration Programme Manager) presented the report and began by stating that the link between providing appropriate housing and the positive effects that this could have on health had been clearly recognised. He advised that the Housing Renewal Strategy launched in 2010 sought to increase the supply and quality of affordable homes, improve the quality of the local environment, promote a higher quality of life, maximise economic opportunity in Westminster and create a more distinct sense of neighbourhood. He advised that data was being collected to see the impact of regeneration and improved housing had on residents, including their health. Members noted that there was a direct and positive relationship between implementing the Housing Renewal Strategy and the objectives of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

9.2       Dermot Moloney then referred to the current housing renewal programmes taking place in Westminster. The largest scheme was the Church Street regeneration where considerable work had been undertaken over the last 18 months. He stated that a central theme of the scheme was improving the health of residents and it was anticipated that there would be a Community Health and Wellbeing Hub located there by 2020. It had also been recognised that there was a positive link between employment and health and the Housing Renewal Strategy sought to navigate people back into work. An example of this was the Ebury Bridge scheme where residents’ events were built around the themes of employment and health. Dermot Moloney also referred to the Tollgate Gardens and infill housing schemes.

9.3       Turning to CityWest Homes Investment Programmes, Dermot Moloney advised that there were a number of programmes that would benefit residents’ health. This included the Condensation Investment Programme which set aside a budget of £12m over the next five years. The General Major Works Programme included a number of schemes designed to contribute to warmer, dryer and safer homes. Dermot Moloney advised that a Sheltered Housing Review was underway and he welcomed any Board comments on this. He also referred to the work undertaken to tackle rough sleeping and Members noted that they had received a report and presentation on this at the 15 September 2016 meeting.

9.4       Councillor Robathan commented that the role of housing in improving health outcomes was considerable. In respect of Church Street, she advised that the development of the Lisson Arches site had commenced with the enabling work near completion and the emptying of the site was due to be completed by 2019. It was anticipated that the Health and Wellbeing Hub would be in place by 2020/21. She added that the Ebury Bridge site was due for completion around 2023. 

9.5       A Member commented that he was pleased overall with progress. He felt that further consideration should be given as to how community housing was a solution in relieving pressure on care beds, particularly during winter when demand was likely to be greater and which may lead to residents being moved out of Westminster. Although he acknowledged the huge amount of work involved in housing regeneration schemes, the timescales involved could be frustrating. He commented that registered social landlords were also ready to become involved and they should be encouraged to work with the City Council in housing regeneration schemes. Another Member emphasised the importance of voluntary and community organisations being involved in the proposed Church Street Hub and that this was an appropriate place to co-locate, especially if a community café was to be located there. She added that the Westminster Community Network could help in finding appropriate community and voluntary organisations. A Member appreciated the time needed to complete housing regeneration schemes, however this often led to community fatigue making it difficult to keep residents interested in the schemes. She enquired whether there were any schemes or part of schemes that could be completed relatively quickly to provide evidence of progress to residents.

9.6       In reply to issues raised by the Board, Councillor Robathan advised that a planning application for a new care home was due to be considered by a Planning Applications Committee soon. The care home would contain 84 care beds and was due for completion in mid 2019.

9.7       Dermot Moloney acknowledged that housing regeneration schemes took time and that it would be desirable if they could be completed more quickly. Every effort would be made to complete any viable scheme as soon as possible. He added that works had already started for the Tollgate Gardens scheme.