Agenda item

Report of the Director of Housing Services

1.      The work to date is noted, and it is agreed that further work will be undertaken to progress all the options as set out in Appendix A of the report.  Progress reports will be presented to Cabinet during the year.

2.      The power to appoint legal, financial, communications and independent tenant advisors is delegated to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Advisory Panel

3.      The membership of the Advisory Panel is to be reconsidered when the results of the consultation of the new tenant participation structure are known.

Councillor Capstick addressed Cabinet expressing concern about the Single Persons Accommodation Review and the future of Robinson House. She felt that a homeless centre was vitally important and that consultation carried out by Sally Keeble MP had shown that local people were concerned that history would repeat itself and that the property would become Single Persons Accommodation without sufficient supervision. She believed that there was a need for mixed accommodation. With a shortage of affordable housing in the area, Robinson House could meet some of this need. She suggested that Cabinet listen to local residents before making any decisions. 

Councillor Davies also addressed Cabinet and welcomed the information that was provided in the report. His main concern was that NBC would make the decision to go into large-scale voluntary transfer; he believed that this would not be a good decision. Council property tenants wanted NBC to continue to be their landlord.  Councillor Woods noted that it was very encouraging that tenants still wanted NBC as their landlord.

Councillor Clarke then addressed Cabinet and commented that public housing was good as it ensured that people had somewhere to live and that this right needed to be protected. He believed that most tenants would be opposed to a Housing Association or private landlord and that most people would accept that bringing homes to the Decent Homes Standard might take 10 years if their property stayed under the NBC umbrella compared with a significantly shorter period under other options. He felt that NBC would need to look into selective transfer in the future, though only transferring properties where it would be an advantage to residents.

Councillor Palethorpe stated to the Cabinet that he was increasingly concerned about the diminishing opportunity for PFI and the continued deterioration of council properties owing to their age. He felt that there could be some campaigns regarding the idea of using the gasholder for accommodation and that views must be respected. He felt that housing issues should be apolitical and commented that the Conservative Party would not pre-judge the option. He stated that he believed in Council housing however he recognised a need to pursue additional funding or alternative options to allow homes to be part of the Decent Homes Standard.

As relevant Portfolio Holder, Councillor Beardsworth outlined the purpose of the report. She also explained that Robinson House was part of the Single Persons Accommodation review and would be on the Forward Plan in the future. The support of other Councillors was welcomed and the housing team were congratulated for drafting the report. Councillor Beardsworth stated that tenants deserve decent homes that were safe, dry and warm however, the Council could only afford £28 million, which would only pay for one third of the housing stock. At the end of the consultation period, all tenants and service users should understand the issues. The Council would continue to strive to become a two star service. It was explained that further work would be done to explore the different options, as there were still uncertainties about funding. Councillor Hoare felt that there was a need to find a solution to provide decent homes throughout the town. He referred to Leicester Housing Association taking over the ownership of the New Life Buildings as NBC could no longer afford it and felt that this had been a successful example. Councillor Church commented that if voluntary transfer was to be considered, tenants would have the right to vote. If the outcome of the vote was against transfer, then it would not go ahead. The Cabinet members congratulated the work done so far by the housing team.

RESOLVED

1.                  That Cabinet noted the work to date, and decides which geographical areas require further work, and which options should be progressed. Progress reports to be presented to Cabinet during the year.

2.                  That Cabinet delegated to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Advisory Panel the power to appoint legal, financial, communications and independent advisors.

3.                  That Cabinet reconsidered the membership of the Advisory Panel when the results of the consultation of the new tenant participation structure are known.