MORE needs to be done to ensure every family in Basingstoke has suitable housing, councillors have said.

During a Basingstoke and Deane (BDBC) scrutiny committee Cllr Samuel Carr, the cabinet member for homes and regeneration presented the annual review of the housing allocations policy.

The report presents the council’s housing allocations scheme review for 2021/22. It also provides some information regarding the operation of allocation schemes for social housing.

Introducing the report, Cllr Carr said: "Enhancing opportunities for residents of our borough is at the heart of this administration’s purpose.

"We aim to ensure that our residents can benefit from a place to call home.

"A core part of this work is to ensure that we support and enable the more vulnerable and less affluent in our society to find safe and secure accommodation."

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He continued: "Coming into this portfolio in May 2022, I have been struck by the capability and professionalism of the borough’s housing team. The lower waiting times for residents seeking a social home in Basingstoke and Deane, as compared to properties with the Hampshire Home Choice region, is a particular example of the results they achieve. It stands as a testament to this administration’s determination to deliver and the hard work of our officers."

The report states that the borough council oversaw the delivery of 399 new affordable homes in 2021/22, which exceeded its target of 300.

The greatest area of need on Basingstoke and Deane's housing register continues to be single-person households, with 60 per cent of these applicants being under the age of 35. 

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The positive view regarding the state of council housing by the portfolio holder was not supported by all councillors. 

Cllr Abigail Compton-Burnett spoke at the meeting. She said: "When I visited family and they have got two small children and they have to walk up five flights of stairs because the lift is not working or there is not a lift in the first place. They have to carry a buggy because there is no buggy park."

She went on to say that this is “not suitable housing” for the family and this is something that is happening over and over again.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Independent group Cllr Paul Harvey called for a task and finish group to be set up to see how the council can best help residents. 

He said we "need to look at the definition of suitable".