The following is a summary of the questions asked and debate during the exempt session of the meeting regarding these exempt appendices.  However, it is recorded in an open minute to support the principle of being an open and transparent council.

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

Questioned the reasons for the significant rise in tender costs over a relatively short space of time and the detail of the Carter Jonas valuation. She queried whether the recommendation regarding shared ownership approvals for other properties should have been subject to a separate report.

The Service Lead - New Homes Delivery and the Housing Development and Strategy Manager responded to the queries raised, confirming that previous figures were based on budget estimates whereas the figures now available were actual costs.  Generally, construction costs were rising nationally.

Officers responded to Cabinet Member questions regarding the likely rent level and also confirmed that the long term requirements of increased electricity usage had been provided for by an additional electricity sub-station

Cabinet then returned to open session in order to consider the report’s recommendations.

RESOLVED:

            That the contents of the exempt appendices be noted.