Agenda item

Council House Growth Programme Update

To consider the report of the Director of Resources and Housing which provides an update on the Council Housing Growth Programme.

Minutes:

The report of the Director of Resources and Housing  provided an update on the Council House Growth Programme, setting out the proposals for the delivery of further new housing across the City to increase the number of affordable homes.

 

The following were in attendance:

·  Neil Evans – Director of Resources and Housing

·  Mark Denton – Head of Council Housing Growth

·  Cllr. D Coupar – Executive Member for Communities

 

Key areas discussed were:

·  The assessment of available sites, particularly on greenbelt and brownfield land; It was noted that further work is ongoing and following the roll out of the Housing Growth Programme and the identified need for regeneration, there will be further opportunity for identifying sites; Members were informed that if there were suitable sites in their wards, these could be assessed.

·  Right to Buy (RtB) – concerns were raised relating to new properties, the private rented sector and the ability of tenants being able to access RtB where overhanging debt has been accrued. Members were informed that the Director of Resources and Housing and the Executive Board Member, have written to the Government regarding its policy around access to RtB where overhanging debt is involved.

·  The performance and viability of energy efficient properties;

·  Clarity was sought on the general approach to modular construction with particular regard to cost and construction efficiency. Members noted the intention to standardise house layouts to alleviate issues regarding contractors.

 

The Board thanked the officers for the hard work they’re doing, to address the need in the city.

 

RESOLVED- The Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities):

a)  Noted the contents of the report and discussions during the meeting.

b)  Noted the scope of the council’s new housing scheme proposals and initial sites identified for the delivery of new general needs council housing for social rent, and that any decisions on disposal of council land / acquisition of private land to facilitate these schemes have been delegated to the Director of City Development;

c)  Noted that decisions regarding the final funding mix for each housing scheme taken forward have been delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing by Executive Board;

d)  Noted that authority to procure & award contract for each housing scheme is delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing;

e)  Noted that a further report on progress with delivery of the programme be brought to Executive Board in 2019.

f)  Noted the progress made in the delivery of the extra care housing programme.

g)  Noted that the sites at Cartmell Drive South, Halton Moor and Throstle Recreation Ground have been approved for the delivery of extra care housing.

h)  Noted the Adult Social Care system cost savings estimated to be generated from Package 1.

i)  Noted the likely position in relation to capital receipts arising from the programme and that the Director of City Development will negotiate the detailed terms including the financial consideration for the disposal of each site in Package 1 and will seek the approval of Executive Board to the final terms of each disposal.

 

Cllr J Akhtar arrived at 10:20am during consideration of this item.

 

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