County Surveyors' Society

Issues: planning

Strategic housing panel

The Local Government Association has set up a Strategic Housing Panel to:

a) promote the strategic housing role within local Government
b) respond to central Government proposals impacting on housing services
c) enable local authorities proactively to contribute to the national debate on housing issues, including the submission of policy options
d) provide a research capacity for key issues and documents affecting the strategic housing role.

The CSS has accepted the LGA’s invitation to join this panel.

Don Gobbett

“Housing is a major issue for local Government. In some parts of the country, there is a surplus of housing, while in others, high house prices put market housing out of the reach of many people. In the south of England, at least, the provision of more affordable housing comes high on the public’s priorities, while the level of overall housing provision in the planning process is a matter of great contention. The CSS welcomes the opportunity provided by the LGA Panel to influence the debate.”

Don Gobbett
CSS representative
LGA Strategic Housing Panel

Where does CSS stand?

County councils are not local housing authorities, but do have perspectives on housing issues. These perspectives come from their work on Regional Spatial Strategies and other regional engagement. Some county councils coordinate work on affordable housing for their areas. Many county councils also offer research and information capabilities that can assist local housing authorities with their strategic housing responsibilities. Joining the LGA Panel offers the county councils an opportunity to share their views and experience, and offer assistance where it is needed.