Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

Regional Housing Strategy for the East of England: 2005–2010
Policy framework: housing, inclusion and community cohesion
Housing options Housing options research by Care and Repair England anticipates
that as the number of BME older people grows ‘there will be a
need for suitable and culturally appropriate housing options,
including suitable supported housing and home adaptations, given
the low income low equity home ownership among some BME
groups‘. Local housing authorities should take account of the
changing demographics and likely impact on services.
Housing delivery The framework for delivery of housing will address the diverse
needs of communities in the Region based on evidence of need.
Housing investment in BME Schemes for 2006–08 will be targeted
on Primary Areas where needs surveys already exist and plans are
in place to support BME housing; and on secondary areas where
CORE lettings/ census data identifies high populations.
For 2008–10 investment will be determined by reference to
regionally commissioned research.
Delivery will (from 2006) include sites for Gypsy and Traveller
communities.
Housing delivery will also take into account the need for protocols,
for example with the regional resettlement of offenders pathways
approach, and the RHDG has a role to play in exchanging good
practice.
Capacity building Housing providers should consider the opportunities for
community development and capacity building, as part of
community involvement in developing schemes.
Housing design There is clearly a need to take account of a community’s cultural
expectations and norms when designing and planning new
developments, e.g. the size and type of accommodation needed.
In addition to design for the increase in the number of intergenerational
households.
Information and
knowledge
Building on existing examples of research and good practice in
the Region (for example research into the needs of Gypsies and
Travellers, refugees and migrant workers). The RHDG will promote
diversity issues through the sub-regional agenda with the
implementation of more sophisticated monitoring arrangements to
identify the range of needs. RHDG will support the development
of further research into the housing needs of migrant workers via
the social strategy, and BME research into identified areas.
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