Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing

RESOLVED THAT

1.     the award of a grant of £496,000 to Cheltenham YMCA from the Housing Enabling capital budget be approved to enable 31 new affordable homes to be provided subject to the following conditions being satisfied:

·        That relevant planning consents are obtained

·        The YMCA’s application to the Homes & Communities Agency for grant funding is successful

·        The total cost of delivering the scheme is financially viable overall

·        Confirmation is obtained from the original payer of the commuted sums that they consider the grant proposals fall within the intended use of the commuted sums

·        All documentation securing the use of the grant for affordable housing and the retention of units supported by the grant as affordable housing in perpetuity being entered into; and

·        The receipt of invoices/evidence as to the actual costs incurred

2.      the entering into a grant agreement in respect of the grant and all documentation securing the use of the grant for affordable housing and the retention of units supported by the grant as affordable housing in perpetuity be delegated to the Director of Environmental & Regulatory Services on terms approved by the Borough Solicitor

Having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item the Leader left the room and did not participate in the debate.

The Cabinet Member Housing introduced the report and explained that Cheltenham YMCA was planning to develop 31 units of new affordable homes within Cheltenham on two sites and in order to do this required financial assistance from the Homes & Communities Agency and Cheltenham Borough Council. He highlighted the good work that the YMCA undertook to accommodate young people and the assistance they gave them to move towards independent living. He believed this would be positive for the town, particularly in the light of benefit cuts.

Members supported the proposal and welcomed the scheme which was aimed at those who required assistance in their move towards independent living.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the award of a grant of £496,000 to Cheltenham YMCA from the Housing Enabling capital budget be approved to enable 31 new affordable homes to be provided subject to the following conditions being satisfied:

·         That relevant planning consents are obtained

·         The YMCA’s application to the Homes & Communities Agency for grant funding is successful

·         The total cost of delivering the scheme is financially viable overall

·         Confirmation is obtained from the original payer of the commuted sums that they consider the grant proposals fall within the intended use of the commuted sums

·         All documentation securing the use of the grant for affordable housing and the retention of units supported by the grant as affordable housing in perpetuity being entered into; and

·         The receipt of invoices/evidence as to the actual costs incurred

2.     the entering into a grant agreement in respect of the grant and all documentation securing the use of the grant for affordable housing and the retention of units supported by the grant as affordable housing in perpetuity be delegated to the Director of Environmental & Regulatory Services on terms approved by the Borough Solicitor