Decision details

Leader Allocation of Executive Functions-Purchase of Dwellings for Use as Affordable Housing

Decision Maker: Leader

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To authorise the Head of Property Services or in their absence the Executive Director-Finance and Assets to take decisions (including key decisions) to purchase dwellings which they consider to be suitable for use as affordable housing (in accordance with the parameters set out in Section 4 below), and subject to budget allocation (the budget allocation for 2018/19 is £2m, as approved by Council on 19 February 2018).

Reasons for the decision:

To facilitate timely executive decisions on this matter

 

In order to maximise flexibility and to achieve value for money, the council will purchase homes on the following basis:

 

  1. Homes of any size will be considered.
  2. Former social housing properties will also be considered, subject to confirmation that Right to Buy receipts can be used for these purposes.
  3. The Council will purchase properties that are free of significant defects.
  4. Market price will be paid, subject to the maximum price of £350k on homes of 3 bedrooms or more
  5. Consideration will also be given to the purchase of long term empty homes as part of our strategy to reduce the number of vacant homes in the Borough.
  6. A range of operational criteria will be met to ensure that properties purchased will be fit for purpose as social/affordable housing.

Alternative options considered:

To refer the decisions on spend to Cabinet. Not favoured because of the need to facilitate timely executive decisions.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Cabinet Members were consulted and agreed to proceed as planned.

Contact: Martin Stacy, Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected].

Publication date: 17/05/2018

Date of decision: 17/05/2018

Accompanying Documents: