Issue - meetings

(CAB3291)

Councillor Learney introduced the report which set out a strategy to provide at least 100 new council homes over the next 10 years.  She highlighted the focus on providing good quality homes that were also as close to zero carbon emissions as possible.

Monica Gill and David Light (TACT) were both present in the virtual meeting and, at the invitation of the Leader, confirmed they did not wish to make any comments regarding the report.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Generally welcomed the report but believed that, given its importance, there should have been the wider opportunity for Member involvement prior to consideration at Cabinet. Requested further information regarding the establishment of a housing company and whether the council would continue to strive for lower, social rents.  Also queried the provision for both internet connectivity and sewage provision in new homes and the future use of passivhaus type homes.

Councillor Learney, the Strategic Director: Services and the Service Lead: New Homes responded to the comments made, including confirming that a report on the new housing company would be submitted to the next Business and Housing Policy Committee and also confirming the commitment to low, social rents.

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

RESOLVED:

The Service Lead - New Homes Delivery and the Housing Development and Strategy Manager gave a presentation on the key points of the emerging Development Strategy, which would be submitted to Cabinet in the new year.

The Strategic Director: Services also gave an outline of establishing a housing company with a detailed report to be taken to the next meeting of the policy committee.

David Light on behalf of TACT commented on the challenges of obtaining zero carbon in the next few years and that the council were looking at different aspects of this.

Members asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers accordingly.

At the conclusion of questions and debate, it was agreed that the officers give consideration to:

·         methods of reporting items from the scrutiny performance panel on development sites and the new homes plan to this policy committee, or an alternative reporting route, and;

·         the holding of a member briefing to explore the issues raised by members at the meeting, including those relating to housing need assessments.