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Homes for Tomorrow: Housing Strategy

Horsham District Council’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy, responds to a rapidly evolving national and local housing situation. Nationally, the sector continues to adapt to the impacts of Brexit, economic pressures, welfare reforms, and evolving Government priorities. New legislation such as the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and Renters’ Rights Bill are reshaping tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, and the role of councils in delivering affordable, sustainable homes. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis, planning reforms, and increasing regulatory demands continue to affect housing delivery and affordability.

Locally, Horsham District faces acute housing affordability challenges. With average house prices and private rents among the highest in West Sussex, access to both home ownership and the private rented sector is increasingly out of reach for many. The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) no longer reflects market realities, contributing to rising homelessness, housing register applications, and evictions. Supply constraints, including water neutrality requirements and delays to the Local Plan, have further slowed new affordable housing delivery particularly for larger and specialist homes.

Our Housing Register data highlights a growing mismatch between supply and demand, with overcrowding, medical needs, and homelessness as the main drivers of housing need. Meanwhile, homelessness approaches have remained high since the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act in 2018, and although rough sleeping numbers have declined, prevention of homelessness remains a top priority.

To address these challenges, Horsham District Council has developed six clear strategic objectives:

  1. Aim to reduce rough sleeping.
  2. Aim to prevent all forms of homelessness through early intervention and partnership working.
  3. Increase accommodation options and reduce reliance on temporary and B&B accommodation.
  4. Maintain an accessible and fair housing register.
  5. Empower residents to live independently in their homes.
  6. Deliver the number and size of affordable homes that our communities need.

These objectives feed into a robust Action Plan. Throughannual reviews, we will ensure the strategy remains relevant, agile and data informed. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used to measure success and guide continuous improvement.