Issue - meetings

The Committee is asked to:

1.    Confirm its support to suspend the Council’s residential developments;

2.    Support, in principle that Council explores new ways of delivering the affordable and private rental housing delivery strategy; and

3.    Bring back revised strategies and policies to the October committee meeting and subsequent Council meeting on 16 October 2023.

4.    Support, in principle to recommend to Council that this Authority explores new ways of delivering the Council’s affordable housing development schemes, by moving away from direct delivery, apart from the Local Authority Housing Fund Acquisitions Scheme (single property) acquisitions to initially house Afghan families, funded with a higher level of government grant.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Accountant and Group Head of Assets.

The Committee were advised that carrying on with the current strategy was no longer viable and that different options needed to be considered. A range of non-site specific delivery options would be presented to the Development Sub-Committee for them to consider the suitability of each. A report would be brought back before the committee in October for them to consider the possible options for the vacant sites.

It was proposed by Councillor Boughtflower and seconded by Councillor Rybinski that a recorded vote be taken for each option.

Option 1:

For: Councillors Attewell, Bateson, Beatty, Beecher, Boughtflower, J Doran, S Doran, Gibson, Grant, Howkins, Lee, Nichols, Rutherford, Rybinski, Sexton, Williams (16 Votes).

Against: (0)

Abstain: (0)

Option 1:

For: Councillors Bateson, Beatty, Beecher, J Doran, S Doran, Gibson, Grant, Nichols, Rutherford, Sexton, Williams (11)

Against: (0)

Abstain: Councillors Attewell, Boughtflower, Howkins, Lee, Rybinski (5)

Option 3:

For: Councillors Bateson, Beatty, Beecher, J Doran, S Doran, Gibson, Grant, Nichols, Rutherford, Sexton, Williams (11)

Against: (0)

Abstain: Councillors Attewell, Boughtflower, Howkins, Lee, Rybinski (5)

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Confirm its support to suspend the Council’s residential developments,

2.    Support, in principle that the Council explores new ways of delivering the affordable and private rental housing delivery strategy; and

3.    Bring back revised strategies and policies to the October Corporate Policy & Resources Committee meeting and subsequent Council meeting on 16 October 2023.

A summary of the recommendations was given within the report as follows:

Support in principle recommending to Council that this authority explores new ways of delivering the Council’s affordable housing development schemes, by moving away from direct delivery, apart from the Local Authorities Housing Fund Acquisitions Scheme (single property) acquisitions to initially house Afghan families which will be funded with a higher level of government grant.