Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director – Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 4830)

(Report No.165)

(8.00 – 8.05 pm)

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.165) setting out the Better Council Homes Workplan and Budgets for 2019/20.

NOTED

1.            That the provision and growth of good quality, affordable Council homes was a key priority for the Council, as set out in the report. This was an ambitious workplan which would result in significant improvements.

2.            As set out in Appendix 2 and section 6 of the report, the major works programme for 2019/20 was expected to cost £41m. This would fund existing and proposed projects including £6.5m for fire safety works. This would be funded from HRA reserves.

3.            The detailed proposals set out in the report regarding Better Quality Homes and Environments; Better Quality Housing Services; Delivering More Affordable Homes; and, Regenerating Estates (section 3 of the report referred).

4.            The proposals for reinvigorating the Housing Advisory Board to ensure that residents including tenants and leaseholders had a role in advising Cabinet on housing policy and performance issues.

5.            Members welcomed the report and noted the significant investment into the Council’s housing stock with approximately 7,000 homes set to benefit. The specific proposals regarding fire safety was also recognised, this was a key priority for the Council.

6.            That good quality housing was one of the main determinants of good health and the proposals would have a positive impact on addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for residents.

7.            Both the short and long-term proposals in going forward. Further reports would be presented to future Cabinet meetings as appropriate, as set out in the report.  

Alternative Options Considered: Not spending the GLA external funding of £18m would restrict the delivery of affordable housing on key housing sites and damage the Council’s reputation as an investment partner with the GLA. If the Council did not spend the Right to Buy Receipts on Council Homes in the specified period it would be required to repay receipts plus interest to government. Although the GLA Right to Buy offer would give the Council longer to spend any returned receipts it would be given less flexibility on the projects that the Council could fund.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

Better Quality Homes and Environments

1.            Consider the recommendations from the Repairs Task Force regarding the preferred option for the delivery of the responsive repairs service at the Cabinet meeting in April.

2.            Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing in consultation with the Director of Housing and Regeneration to approve the Major Works programme for 2019/20 based on a priority approach including fire safety works as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report.

3.            Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Housing in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance to approve the major works procurement plan noting that all such procurement activity would be carried out in accordance with the statutory OJEU framework and the Council’s procurement rules to ensure that the programme delivers value for money for tenants and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10