Decision details

Councillor Becker left the room during consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or decision.

Councillor Westwood introduced the report and welcomed the support of TACT for the proposals.  The report was also being considered at Scrutiny Committee on 6 February, Cabinet on 8 February prior to decision at Council on 22 February 2024.

Councillor Westwood, the Housing Finance Manager and the Service Lead - Strategic Housing responded to questions and comments raised by councillors on the report as follows:

a)    The proposal that rent levels for future new homes be set at 80% of market rent.  Councillor Westwood explained that this was because the energy efficiency build of new homes resulted in significantly lower energy usage and the 80% also included service charges.  He confirmed that there was no intention to extend the 80% rate across existing homes, including those having retrofit improvements.

b)    A suggestion that evidence of the savings resulting from the increased energy efficiency of new homes compared to the 80% market rent for scheme viability should be brought back to the committee and then, subject to schemes progressing the information, shared with prospective future occupiers.  Councillor Westwood agreed to consider this proposal further with officers.

c)    The rationale behind the proposal to dispose of Barnes House at this time.

d)    The current annual levels of “right to buy” properties and the amount of each sale that was retained by the council.

e)    Confirmation that the new homes scheme would consider developments across the whole district, including in rural areas.

Mr Perkins (TACT) confirmed the support of TACT and expressed his gratitude for the additional explanation and information provided by officers at TACT meetings on the proposals.

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

          That the recommendations set out in the report be supported and the Cabinet Member for Housing forward the comments outlined above for consideration at the Cabinet meeting on 8 February 2024.