Issue - meetings

1.    That the HRA Outturn figures for 2019/20 be noted, as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 of report CAB3241.

2.    That the carry forward of £0.050m from 2019/20 be approved, as detailed in Paragraph 11.4 of report CAB3241.

3.    That the Housing capital programme outturn for Major Works and New Build developments be noted, as detailed in Paragraphs 11.5 to 11.8 and Appendices 3 & 4 of report CAB3241.

4.    That the funding of the 2020/21 HRA capital programme be approved, as detailed in Paragraph 11.9 & 11.10 and Appendix 5 of report CAB3241.

5.    That the re-forecast capital programme budget of £36.051m for 2020/21 be approved, as detailed in Paragraphs 11.12 & 11.13 and Appendix 6 & 7 of report CAB3241.

Councillor Learney introduced the report which had also been considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 2 July 2020 where no significant issues had been raised.  Overall spending was broadly on track and the new homes programme and fire safety policy continued to be developed.

At the invitation of the Leader, Monica Gill (TACT) and Councillor Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Monica Gill

Stated that the report had been considered by the TACT support group who were all in favour of its recommendations.  TACT had one query about why the sheltered housing budget had overspent compared with other housing teams budgets.

Councillor Horrill

Supported broad principles of the report. Requested that spending on the fire safety programme continue as soon as possible.  As shadow Cabinet Member for Housing, asked that she receive a full update on the new homes programme.  Suggested that the council offer further funding to the Trinity Centre if required to support its work.  Requested further information regarding the sheltered housing budget and also reassurance regarding timely expenditure of right to buy receipts.

Councillor Learney responded to the comments made above, including confirming that she would be pleased to share further information regarding the new homes build programme with Councillor Horrill.  The Strategic Director (Services) and the Housing Finance and Resources Manager also provided further detail regarding the sheltered housing budget.  Cabinet noted that provision of housing for older people would be the subject of a member briefing and a further report to Cabinet later in the year.

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

RESOLVED:

1.          That the HRA Outturn figures for 2019/20 be noted, as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

2.          That the carry forward of £0.050m from 2019/20 be approved, as detailed in Paragraph 11.4 of the report.

3.          That the Housing capital programme outturn for Major Works and New Build developments be noted, as detailed in Paragraphs 11.5 to 11.8 and Appendices 3 & 4 of the report.

4.          That the funding of the 2020/21 HRA capital programme be approved, as detailed in Paragraph 11.9 & 11.10 and Appendix 5 of the report.

5.          That the re-forecast capital programme budget of £36.051m for 2020/21 be approved, as detailed in Paragraphs 11.12 & 11.13 and Appendix 6 & 7 of the report.

Report Reference SC029 and CAB3241

Report ref SC029 and CAB3241

The Interim Head of Housing & Finance introduced the item and set out the background to the report which detailed the financial performance of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in 2019/20 and the associated HRA capital programme. The report also requested approval for revised budget forecasts to the 2020/21 HRA budget and capital programme to reflect updated costs and take account of capital programme slippage. The committee was asked to comment on the attached proposals which were being presented to cabinet on the 9 July 2020.

Councillor Learney (cabinet member for housing and asset management) also addressed the committee and invited questions from members.

The committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and the cabinet member accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the committee encouraged the cabinet to be mindful of the potential need for the reassignment of finance for homeless provision should it be required.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the reports, (references SC029 and CAB3241) be noted.

2.    That the committee agreed to the comments as shown above.