Decision details

To dispose of the HRA asset 23 Magrath Avenue on the open market.

Matter for Decision

The report was presented, in line with the existing HRA Acquisition and Disposal Policy, to obtain approval for the disposal of a specific HRA asset on the open market.

Following introduction of the Housing and Planning Act in May 2016, the report also proposes a scheme of delegation for the policy and process changes that will be required in response to the need to dispose of higher value vacant dwellings, in anticipation that the authority will receive detailed guidance imminently, and would need to react with some speed.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved disposal on the open market, in line with the confidential project appraisal attached at Appendix A, of the HRA asset at 23 Magrath Avenue.

    ii.        Delegated authority to the Strategic Director (or Strategic Housing Advisor in the absence of a Director), in consultation with the Executive Councillor, Chair and Opposition Spokesperson, to approve a policy and associated process to allow the authority to respond quickly to the need to meet a levy derived from the requirement for all local authorities to dispose of higher value vacant dwellings.

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 Business Manager/Principal Accountant (Shared Housing Finance Team).

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

     i.        Requested that in future policy decision should be reported separately to operational matters.

    ii.        Discussion of points around the need to implement changes quickly and how best to forward plan when there were so many unknowns. 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.