Consulting on the options
3.16 Setting objectives, identifying strategic options and choosing between them are fundamental to the local authority's role in determining its LHS. The delivery of the LHS requires a clear plan of action with targets set. While these decisions lie with the local authority, they need to take into account partnership processes and the contributions of others to ensure the strategy is deliverable.
3.17 The LHS needs to be built if possible around a consensual view of:
The appropriate objectives to adopt (given the housing problems identified, the community plan aims for the local authority and the need to have objectives against which progress can be measured);
The range of options available for achieving each objective;
Which options to choose for the LHS;
Contributions to delivery by others (their resources, knowledge and skills).
3.18 To do this, the LHS process should involve:
Others inside the local authority
This will include councillors, the corporate management team/group and rely on cross-departmental working.
Other agencies
Key partners to the delivery of the strategy are RSLs and other housing providers. They should be involved in the discussion and assessment of objectives, options and actions.
The local community
This includes consultation with service users and community groups. It is wider than tenant involvement, although this too is important. Consultation processes can be used throughout the development and implementation of the LHS. It need not be limited to consultation on a draft of the strategy document. Different methods of involving the local community are needed for different areas of consultation. For example to understand community needs and aspirations, surveys, focus groups or panels may be suitable. Involving communities in option appraisal will require them to have sufficient information on the constraints and competing priorities local authorities face, so local forums, citizens juries or community conferences may be better.
Considering the role of the construction industry
Achieving efficiencies in the construction and maintenance of social housing can not only achieve better value for money, but can also deliver a better quality product. Communities Scotland is committed to modernising procurement in the social housing sector, achieving better value and quality and minimising waste. Communities Scotland publication "Building a Better Deal" sets out an action plan for delivering these aims. Local authorities should ensure that options involving the construction industry take into account how efficiencies in procurement and construction can be achieved.
Local authorities should also consider the capacity of construction industry to deliver and the long-term supply of appropriately trained construction and maintenance labour in their area.
Here is the link to the "Building a better deal: Action Plan"
