Monitoring the implementation of the housing strategy enables you to check that actions are being undertaken within the anticipated timeframe and to address any delays or implementation problems, such as poorly anticipated resource needs. It is also important to measure the effectiveness of these actions in addressing local housing needs.
Monitoring the strategy requires that you collect information about the way in which strategic actions are being carried out; and as far as possible, information about the impact of these actions.
The first type of information is fairly straightforward, and simply requires regular reporting on project outcomes, noting any barriers to implementation, the reasons for these barriers, and any mitigating steps that need to be taken to overcome these problems.
The second type of information can be more difficult to determine. General indicators of local housing trends (which you have identified during your housing study) should be updated regularly to help monitor the impact of the strategy, or to help prioritise certain actions or initiatives contained within it.
Each of the strategy objectives and actions you have identified should also have more specific indicators to monitor and evaluate the impact of the strategy.
Monitoring should be done on a regular basis, with a formal annual reporting process coordinated by the designated officer within Council. This coordination role will be particularly important where the housing strategy is not contained within a single document and is being implemented through various corporate processes.
Regardless of whether one individual or a group has the responsibility for implementation of the strategy, it is important to carry out regular, formal reporting on its progress. It is a good idea to incorporate reporting on your housing strategy outcomes with other regular reporting activities of council. For instance, you might indicate progress on housing initiatives within an “access and equity” section of your Annual Report, or in the relevant sections of your council management plan.
It is also important to establish a process for the formal review or evaluation of the strategy, preferably over a five-year period. Where the initial strategy is not a comprehensive one, earlier review (at say 12 months) is recommended to determine if its scope should be expanded.