Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts.

(Report circulated)

(Minute 74)

The report of the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts was submitted, informing Members of the outcome of an internal review of the Laings property refurbishment programme.  The review had been conducted as a consequence of an issue highlighted by Sovereign Housing Association connected to the use of Recycled Capital Grant Funding (RCGF) to fund the refurbishment of Laings homes. The Assistant Director reminded members of the history of the homes which had been designated as defective and the partnership agreement between the Council and Sovereign Housing Association which had refurbished them. 

Councillor Leadbetter spoke on this item under Standing Order 44.  He queried the three long term empty Laings homes, in the context of the City’s housing shortage. In response, the Portfolio Holder Housing and Community Involvement referred to the enormous efforts made by the Council to return vacant homes to use and the excellent track record of the Empty Homes Service.

Executive noted the proposal of the Sovereign Housing Association to charge 80% of open market rent rather than the current rent. Members considered the options available and supported Option 1 whereby the Council would retain ownership of the remaining 21 properties and undertake the refurbishment works itself.  It was noted that this would include energy efficiency measures.

Executive resolved that Option I as set out in the report be adopted; namely to end the trickle transfer of Laings homes to Sovereign Housing Association, for the Council to retain them as part of their Housing Revenue Account portfolio and for a programme of refurbishment to be put in place as and when Laings homes become available.

The report of the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts was submitted, informing Members of the outcome of an internal review of the Laings property refurbishment programme.  The review had been conducted as a consequence of an issue highlighted by Sovereign Housing Association connected to the use of Recycled Capital Grant Funding (RCGF) to fund the refurbishment of Laings homes. The Assistant Director reminded members of the history of the homes which had been designated as defective and the partnership agreement between the Council and Sovereign Housing Association which had refurbished them. 

Councillor Leadbetter spoke on this item under Standing Order 44.  He queried the three long term empty Laings homes, in the context of the City’s housing shortage. In response, the Portfolio Holder Housing and Community Involvement referred to the enormous efforts made by the Council to return vacant homes to use and the excellent track record of the Empty Homes Service.

Executive noted the proposal of the Sovereign Housing Association to charge 80% of open market rent rather than the current rent. Members considered the options available and supported Option 1 whereby the Council would retain ownership of the remaining 21 properties and undertake the refurbishment works itself.  It was noted that this would include energy efficiency measures.

RESOLVED that Option I as set out in the report be adopted; namely to end the trickle transfer of Laings homes to Sovereign Housing Association, for the Council to retain them as part of their Housing Revenue Account portfolio and for a programme of refurbishment to be put in place as and when Laings homes become available.

(Report circulated)