Issue - meetings

Council is asked to agree the budget for the acquisition of leaseholder interests.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan moved, and Councillor Ergin Erbil seconded, the report.

Councillor Caliskan introduced the report and asked the Council to approve expenditure needed to plan for the future of Cheshire and Shropshire Houses. There had been consultation with the residents, who were thanked for their patience. The Council would make a fair, clear and consistent offer to the residents.

The progress was welcomed and members noted that there had been a return to a safe heating supply. There needed to be a full decommissioning and decanting of both blocks.

Officers and ward councillors were thanked for their hard work during the difficulties experienced at Cheshire and Shropshire Houses.

The Opposition expressed disappointment that the process had taken as long as it had and that the funding would come from borrowing. There was concern regarding vagueness around the offer to tenants and some members felt the report was limited in scope. The Opposition stated that residents had been living in unsatisfactory conditions for years and they had been subject to a lack of care and diligence. Follow up reports to Council would be expected.

Following the debate, the recommendation was put to the vote and AGREED.

AGREED following the decision of the Cabinet to vacate the Shropshire and Cheshire blocks and other associated matters, to approve the budget for the acquisition of leaseholder interests.