A BLUEPRINT setting out the future of housing services in West Devon for the next three years has recently been published.

The document — 'Looking forward' — outlines the borough's achievements, targets and objectives.

Two years ago the council sold its housing stock to West Devon Homes, and West Devon housing services manager Marion Playle said this meant they could concentrate on playing a more strategic role in developing services — working more closely together with other statutory and voluntary organisations. The main aim is to develop high quality housing services within the borough.

'We will no longer be referring negatively to the fact we are no longer landlords but rather embracing, developing and supporting our new role as community leaders,' said Ms Playle. 'We recognise the need to develop a broader role as champion of all housing consumers.' Housing was an important factor in tackling social exclusion and promoting sustainable communities, she added.

Borough housing achievements in the last year included finding homes for 86 homeless families, enabling 42 additional homes in the borough, providing new accommodation for homeless young people in Tavistock and producing a series of six housing advice leaflets.

Targets for the next 12 months include providing a further 39 affordable homes, reducing the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless families, establishing a private landlords' forum and consulting more widely on borough housing services and strengthening partnerships with health and social services.