Decision details

 To agree the proposals

RESOLVED:

1.  That officers be tasked with exploring the options for increasing tenant and homeowner management of and involvement in council housing services as set out in paragraphs 26 – 35 of the report in consultation with residents.

2.  That work be undertaken to identify suitable estates, subject to the provisions of paragraph 53 (a-b) of the report, which can be transferred to the management of existing tenant management organisations (TMOs) should the residents so wish. Any proposal in this area would utilise the voluntary development process already established.

3.  That where the number of properties wishing to join an existing TMO exceeds the percentage proposed in paragraph 53 (a-b) of the report, that the tenant management initiatives (TMI) team in the specialist housing services division develop a shortened process, under the provisions of the Right to Manage regulations 2012 (paragraph 20 of the report refers).

4.  That the strategic director of housing and community services ensures that there is a clear route of progression for any residents group which wishes to provide one or more element of a landlord service themselves.

5.  That officers undertake promotional work on tenant management across the borough, specifically targeting areas not yet represented in existing consultation and participation forums.

6.  That work be undertaken to identify and map individual street properties located in the vicinity of existing TMOs and to seek agreement with residents for future management functions to be carried out by an identified TMO (paragraph 63 of the report refers).

7.  That officers promote the take up of the ‘Community Cashback’ scheme with residents groups in the borough and utilise available funding from central government to devolve limited housing functions to local residents groups (paragraph 64 of the report refers).

8.  That officers undertake a continued project that seeks to identify where it is appropriate for new homes, developed under the initiative to build 10,000 new council homes, to be either under the management of existing TMOs or to create new TMOs from the outset as the new homes are let (as set out in paragraph 66 of the report).

9.  That the proposed approach to increase resident involvement, both in the short and long terms, as set out in paragraphs 36 – 51 of the report be noted, and officers work up options for further consideration by the cabinet.