The Council does not build affordable housing itself. What it does do is make sure that a three year plan of affordable housing is written to demonstrate how we will look to enable affordable housing to be developed to meet the needs of the district. This need is shown in the District Housing Needs Survey that is carried out every 5 years, and the three-year plan is called the Sub-regional Housing Strategy.

The Team works on evidencing and demonstrating the priorities for housing in Mid Suffolk, and who needs the housing most. It also shows where we require funding and who key partners are, such as developers, landowners and housing associations.

What core functions does the Team carry out?

The main tasks that the Team undertakes include negotiation with developers on Section 106 Agreement sites. This is where, through Planning Policy, a development of market sale housing is required to provide affordable housing. This means that the Team will negotiate with developers on the number of affordable homes, what tenure (e.g. rent or shared ownership) and what type of housing (e.g. houses, flats). Officers will also co-ordinate undertaking local housing needs surveys with support from parish councils. This is usually in rural parishes that are sustainable, which means that they have local facilities. If a need is identified the officers will work with the parish council and housing association to develop a scheme.

The Team is also involved in the appraisal of the Council’s land holdings to establish whether any are suitable for affordable housing development and they will again work with a housing association and parish councils in order to bring housing forward.Officers are often involved in research work for groups of people that may require accommodation in the future such as those with a physical or sensory impairment and Gypsies and Travellers for example.

What can you expect from us?

We are committed to giving an equal service to all. This means we will not treat individuals any differently because of your: sex, colour, race, nationality, ethnic group, regional or national original, age, marital status, disability, political or religious belief, sexuality or class. It also means our work will focus on individual groups within our community who may be disadvantaged and therefore require help the most.

We aim to provide an excellent service for our customers. Our customers often include members of the public who may own land, parish councils, public bodies, housing associations and developers for example.

Our targets to respond to any correspondence is:

• 10 day response to letters
• 14 day response to e-mails
• 10 minute wait at reception

Being a small department, if you wish to meet and talk in person, then it is always advisable to book an appointment.
Please contact the Housing department using the details below:

Name: Julie Abbey-Taylor (Strategic Housing Manager)
Email: Julie.Abbey-Taylor@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724782

or

Name: Nigel Brett (Housing Enabling Officer)
Email: nigel.brett@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724771

or

Name: Anne Bennett
Email: anne.bennett@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724774