Issue - meetings

To note progress in the direct delivery programme as part of the council’s commitment to build 11,000 new council homes and the continued progress of the programme.

To agree that rents for all new properties be set at a target rent and to apply fixed tenant service charges for new build properties developed by the council at the prevailing rate for existing properties.

A letter from the Futures Steering Board (FSB) was circulated in respect of this item and Ian Ritchie and Cris Claridge were in attendance on behalf of the board.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the progress in the direct delivery programme as part of the council’s commitment to build 11,000 new council homes and especially the interim target, of 1,500 homes to be delivered by 2018 be noted.

2.  That the continued progress underway within the direct delivery programme, that forms part of the commitment to build 11,000 new council homes over 30 years from 2013 to 2043 be noted, including, as instructed to the strategic director of housing and community services through the 22 July 2014 cabinet report that:

·  the future programme delivery for new council homes and the ongoing asset management of the existing housing stock has been brought together under the head of major works

·  the necessary capacity to oversee further programme delivery has been put in place

·  a comprehensive appraisal of the overall performance of current Housing Revenue Account (HRA) assets has taken place and will be presented to cabinet in January 2015

·  work is in progress to establish a wholly owned and controlled council ‘vehicle’ to secure future funding capacity for the programme and subsequent protection and proper use of assets created, to be operational from 1 April 2015.

3.  That the identified sites in the schedule and map at Appendix 2 detailed in paragraphs 52-62 of the report be noted.

4.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration, in consultation with the strategic director of housing and community services and strategic director of finance and corporate services to acquire land and housing for the direct delivery of new council housing and this be considered as a scheme pursuant to Part 3C of the council's constitution.

5.  That it be noted that officers may wish to recommend the appropriation of land held within the general fund to the housing revenue account for the delivery of new council homes and will bring forward these proposals to cabinet for approval. 

6.  That it be agreed:

·  that rents for all new build properties will be set at the council’s target rent without exception

·  to apply fixed tenant service charges for new build properties developed by the council at the prevailing rate for existing properties.

7.  That the results of the completed community conversation already reported to November 2014 cabinet on a ‘Charter of Principles’ for governing our approach to engagement on housing investment and renewal be noted.

8.  That the continuing role of the futures steering board (FSB) as a valued sounding board, providing important tenant and homeowner perspectives on the delivery of the 11,000 new council homes be noted.