North Essex Councils to hold Housing Summit
Its hoping to address the housing crisis in the county
A Housing Summit is being held today by North Essex Councils at the University of Essex, aiming to address the housing crisis in the county, and to find solutions to affordability and homelessness.
North Essex Councils bring together Braintree District Council, Chelmsford City Council, Colchester City Council, Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council, Harlow District Council, Maldon District Council, Tendring District Council and Uttlesford District Council, to work together in partnership.
The Housing Summit, a first of its kind, will be taking place today, February 15th, at Wivenhoe House at the University of Essex.
Details regarding the summit state that North Essex Councils, the University of Essex and North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance partners, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB), will be bringing together housing specialists, professionals, charitable organisations and politicians to discuss the urgent need to jointly address the housing crisis and its impact on our communities.
A recent report out from Colchester City Council notes the overall picture for North Essex is one of "rising costs and increased demand".
"The need to provide people with safe and affordable homes is more important than ever."
Cllr Chris Whitbread, Chair of North Essex Councils Leaders and Chief Executive growayup, said: “The housing crisis is a complex and challenging issue, and one of the biggest challenges facing councils nationally.
“While the current pressure varies from council to council, we are all feeling the impact. Without significant change, the pressure will grow. The need to provide people with safe and affordable homes is more important than ever.
“I have never before seen such a strong willingness from North Essex local authorities to work in this partnership to drive change, learn from each other, deliver better value for money and support our residents.
“Importantly, this Summit will be a platform for dialogue and coordination to face the challenges of our times together. We will do everything we can to harness the collective ideas and power from partners to push forward new ways of supporting temporary accommodation in a sustainable way.”