Decision details

Establishment of a shared service with South Cambs and the County regarding housing development.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

 

The Chair reminded the Committee that some of the appendices to the report were confidential and that if they were minded to discuss matter in those documents, it would be necessary to consider excluding the press and public.

 

The Committee resolved to discuss the report in open session.

 

Matter for Decision

 

The report proposed the establishment of a shared Housing Development Service with the City Deal local authority partners (Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council).

 

Decision of the Leader

 

The Leader:

 

     i.        Approved the establishment of the Housing Development Agency under shared governance with the City Deal local authority partners (Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council); and

    ii.        Agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Customer and Community Services to make decisions and to take steps which are necessary, conducive or incidental to the establishment of the shared housing development service in accordance with the business case.  

Reason for the Decision

 

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

 

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

 

The Committee received a report from the Head of Strategic Housing regarding the establishment of a Housing Development Agency. The Committee noted the additional recommendation that had been circulated in advance of the meeting (item ii above).

 

The Committee welcomed the proposals.

 

In response to Members’ questions the Head of Strategic Housing and Director of Customer and Community Services stated that:

 

     i.        The new staffing structure and job titles would reflect the Housing industry norms and were not comparable with internal posts. An Assistant Director post would be included.

    ii.        The Housing Development Agency would be self-funding.

   iii.        Structures would be developed to address profits and losses.

 

Councillor Herbert stated that the proposal had the support of the City Deal Board.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the amended recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.