Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing

(**Please note that in accordance with paragraph 3 Part 1 Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972 any discussion on appendices 2 and 3 should take place in EXEMPT session)

The Cabinet Member Housing introduced the report which sought approval to enter into a JCT Design and Build Contract with J Harper and Sons with Total Scheme Costs not to exceed £1,405,150. The scheme would deliver up to 8 new homes on three HRA garage sites. The scheme would provide 5 x 3 bed dwellings; 2 x 2 bed dwellings and 1 x 4 bed dwelling.

The Cabinet Member Housing reported that over the last five years more than 100 new council houses had been built providing much needed affordable homes in the town for which there was an expanding waiting list. This was a significant achievement.

The Cabinet Member Finance added that maximising the use of Right to Buy receipts was facilitating new build in the town by ensuring there was a positive impact on the HRA as quickly as possible.

Members noted the fact that the number of new social housing being built                                                                                  represented the highest level of provision in a generation which was a major achievement in the current economic and political circumstances. They commended the excellent consultation CBH had undertaken during the process of this particular scheme which was appreciated by ward councillors and residents. CBH and CBC officers as well as the Cabinet Member Finance were congratulated on their achievement of providing much needed housing in the town.

In summing up the Cabinet Member Housing thanked the Joint Programme Group which comprised CBC and CBH officers for its work.

The Leader noted that the report would be submitted to Council to approve the financial elements of the scheme.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    Subject to subsequent Council approval, the Authority be authorised to accept the tender received from J Harper and Sons enter into a JCT Design and Build Contract for the construction of up to eight new dwellings with Total Scheme Costs not to exceed £1,405,150.

2.    Authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor to:

2.1. Conclude the JCT Design and Build contract with J Harper and             Sons.

2.2          Take all necessary steps and undertake all necessary procedures, including entering into any legal agreements or other documentation as may be required to implement or facilitate the developments.

3.    the Authority be authorised to charge Affordable Rents to the 2 and 3 bed properties at 80% of Market Rents and at 70% of Market Rents for the 4 bed dwelling.

Council be recommended to :

4.    Authorise the allocation of up to £1,405,150 for the construction of eight new dwellings.

5.    Note that the Total Scheme Costs of £1,405,150 (broken down in further detail in exempt appendix 3) will be funded by circa £420k of RTB receipts with the balance funded by the most appropriate combination of the other funding streams noted within the report – this decision being delegated to the Section 151 Officer in accordance with Financial Rules B7 and B8.

6.    Approves the Authority sourcing loan finance of up to £1.0m from the Public Works Loan Board to be used for the construction of eight new dwellings.