The Council is still responsible for producing and promoting housing strategies to deliver decent affordable housing to meet the needs of Craven residents.  This entails identifying housing need in the District and working in partnership with the planning authorities, Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations), the Homes and Communities Agency (formerly the Housing Corporation), Health and Social Services authorities, private sector landlords and other private and voluntary organisations to maximise the supply of property and services to meet that need.

The Council also still has a duty to prevent homelessness wherever possible, and to assist the homeless where it is not.

See either the links below or on the left for more information on the following:

        Affordable Housing

        Housing Advice: Options

        Private Sector Housing

Audit Commision Inspection of Craven District Council’s Strategic Housing Service

The Strategic Housing Service was inspected by the Audit Commission in March 2009 and the Council welcomed the encouraging report that followed.   The inspectors found the service to be “fair” with “uncertain prospects for improvement.”

On a scale of zero to three stars, the Audit Commission awarded Strategic Housing a one-star rating, finding that the service was doing well in areas such as affordable housing and returning empty properties to use and that its approach to housing advice and homelessness prevention was effective.  The Commission acknowledged the strengths in the delivery of the housing service, in particular its joined up approach to respond to housing issues and the effective partnership initiatives achieved to improve the quality of the private sector and to maximise the development of affordable housing.

Areas for improvement included:

• Addressing temporary accommodation issues;
• Demonstrating value for money;
• Improving the approach to equalities and diversity;
• Improving information about housing need and housing stock condition.

Following the inspection, the Strategic Housing department has developed an action plan to address the Audit Commission’s recommendations and staff are working to improve the services offered to Craven residents.

The full report, which is available on the Audit Commission website, can be viewed by following this link.

Complaints and Suggestions
Were you entirely happy with the service you received or can you see areas where we could improve? If you have a complaint or suggestion for the Strategic Housing Team please click here for further information on how to submit your comments.