Decision details

Using Right to buy receipts to deliver affordable housing. 36 Kempley Close will deliver one affordable housing unit in line with the recommendations set out in the two Cabinet Papers. Using the Right to Buy  receipts to purchase homes from the open market, which

will then be converted to affordable housing. This will ensure that

repayments of receipts to the government can be avoided.

Options considered are outlined in the two Cabinet Reports attached. They outline if the money is not spent on development (which is difficult to predict) then the money has to be repaid to Central Government. Using the receipts to buy properties on the open market delivers housing and prevents the Council from having to pass the money to Central Government.

Positive and in support

Included within the cabinet report 2015– attached Page 5, para 6 and Cabinet report September 2016 – attached, Page 5 and 6 para 6.

The proposed alternative use of Right to Buy Receipts has been discussed with and has the support of the Operational Working Group (OWG) made up of officers and Joint Programme Group (JPG). The JPG group is made up of senior officers from both the Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes. Also the cabinet member Peter Jeffries (Cabinet Member Housing) is in support.