Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This seeks approval of the Enfield Housing Development Framework and the standard for new council housing. (Key decision – reference number 3369)

(Report No.84)

(8.50 – 8.55pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director – Regeneration and Environment (No.84) seeking approval of the Housing Development Framework.

NOTED

1.               The importance of approving the Enfield Housing Development Framework and the standard for new council housing for the reasons set out in full in the report.

2.               The cost to the Council in the provision of temporary accommodation to homeless families which had increased significantly in recent years. The cost to the Council would increase further unless the Council was able to replace approximately 200 homes lost annually to council tenants exercising their Right to Buy their council home since discounts had been increased in 2012 and again in 2014.

3.               That the Housing Development Framework provided a clear statement of intent and was a commitment to local communities that the Council would sensitively increase the supply of housing, section 3 of the report referred.

Alternative Options Considered: Not to approve a framework for co-ordinating housing led developments in the borough. The absence of a framework would result in an inconsistent offer to Enfield residents, a delay in delivering new homes as a starting position for new developments had to be created for every project; and a less transparent approach to delivering new housing. The principal alternative option to not approve a new standard of council housing was an inconsistent and ad hoc approach to new council homes which might not meet the needs of tenants and neighbourhoods. An absence of a standard would also cost more money due to not achieving economies of scale savings.

DECISION: Cabinet agreed to

1.               Note the progress that had been made by the Council to increase the supply of new housing in the borough.

2.               Approve the Enfield Housing Development Framework included at Appendix 1 of the report.

3.               Approve the standard for new council housing included at Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.

4.               Note that when procuring housing partners to deliver residential new build developments that the Housing Development Framework must be included as part of the tender documents.

5.               Note that when procuring housing partners to deliver new council housing that the Performance Specification must be used to frame the standard for new council housing.

6.               Note that it was proposed to undertake a review in 12 months and any revisions made to reflect feedback received through consultation (paragraph 5.3 of the report referred). Cabinet agreed that delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration to agree any revisions required on behalf of Cabinet. 

Reason: The Housing Development Framework placed a firm emphasis on more affordable housing, creating successful places, training and jobs for local people, and a collaboration with communities. These measures amounted to a local Framework for growth and prosperity for the people of Enfield. The Development and Estate Renewal Team, Neighbourhood and Regeneration and Property Services were all delivering housing led developments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11