B&MSDC Supplementary Planning Documents Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 23562

Received: 04/06/2024

Respondent: NHS Property Services Ltd

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above document. The following representations are submitted by NHS Property Services (NHSPS).

NHS Property Services -
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) manages, maintains and improves NHS properties and facilities, working in partnership with NHS organisations to create safe, efficient, sustainable and modern healthcare environments. We partner with local NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and wider NHS organisations to help them plan and manage their estates to unlock greater value and ensure every patient can get the care they need in the right place and space for them. NHSPS is part of the NHS and is wholly owned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – all surplus funds are reinvested directly into the NHS to tackle the biggest estates challenges including space utilisation, quality, and access with the core objective to enable excellent patient care.

Our detailed comments set out below are focused on ensuring that existing housing affordability issues for NHS workers as essential workers can also be addressed and considered within the SPD.

Affordable Housing (Key-worker Housing) -
In undertaking further work on local housing needs, we suggest the Council consider the need for affordable housing for NHS staff and those employed by other health and care providers in the local authority area. The sustainability of the NHS is largely dependent on the recruitment and retention of its workforce. Most NHS staff need to be anchored at a specific workplace or within a specific geography to carry out their role. When staff cannot afford to rent or purchase suitable accommodation within reasonable proximity to their workplace, this has an impact on the ability of the NHS to recruit and retain staff.

Housing affordability and availability can play a significant role in determining people’s choices about where they work, and even the career paths they choose to follow. As the population grows in areas of new housing development, additional health services are required, meaning the NHS must grow its workforce to adequately serve population growth. Ensuring that NHS staff have access to suitable housing at an affordable price within reasonable commuting distance of the communities they serve is an important factor in supporting the delivery of high-quality local healthcare services. We recommend that the Council:
•Engage with local NHS partners such as the local Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS Trusts and other relevant Integrated Care System (ICS) partners.
•Ensure that the local need for affordable housing for NHS staff is factored into housing needs assessments, and any other relevant evidence base studies that inform the local plan (for example employment or other economic policies).
•Consider site selection and site allocation policies in relation to any identified need for affordable housing for NHS staff, particularly where sites are near large healthcare employers.

Conclusion -
NHSPS thank Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Council for the opportunity to comment on the Housing SPD. We trust our comments will be taken into consideration. Should you have any queries or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.