9.0 Environment and Housing.
KEY BASELINE/SURVEY DATA.

The issue of low demand housing market renewal in Hartlepool is amongst the most acute in the region (CURS Report 2002) with the emerging problem of an over supply of social and terrace housing. Reflecting this the Jackson Ward has the highest level of private sector vacancies in the Borough, whislst survey work would suggest that inthe Dyke House/Jackson Area housing vacancies are around 6% of the stock. Vacanies are, however, not uniformly spread, being primary concertrated in the streets to the north and east of the of the North Cemetery, where they have an increasing impact. Additionally much of the public housing stock is subject to low demand. There is also evidence to suggest that the vacancy rate is rapidly increasing. Stabilising the value of properties and the turnover of households in area are key regeneration priorities.

RECENT PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS. continued...
dwellings and the increasing prensence of poorly managed private rented property. NRF has sought to improve the quality of life for residents' in the area, but the collapse in the confidence of the housing market in parts of Dyke House/Jackson is countering positive steps that are being taken. Through the support of Community Development Officers the capacity of residents has raised considerably with residents associations now active in the neighbourhood. It is proposed to bring these together with key service providers to ensure the management of housing areas is undertaken in a more open and integrated manner. The NRF allocated for housing is all concerntrated in the Dyke House/Jackson neighbourhood.

PRIORITIES. continued...

With the level of acceptable highways corresponding to 58% by 2004/05. *Dyke House/Jackson has one of the lowest satisfaction rates for recycling facilities. *A large proportion of housing fails to meet the governments recommended decency standard. Improving the housing stock is a main priority of the key housing agencies. *To reduce the number of households living in social housing that fail to meet the minimum stardard by 20% by 2005 and by 100% by 2010. * To tackle enviromental problems associated with empty properties, fly tipping, litter and vandalism. *Need to improve crime preventative measures so as to address problems of domestic burglary, fear of crime, vandalisum and improve low demand housing. *To improve resident involvement in the management of the enviroment and housing of the area.