Decision details

Agree a programme of change to deliver service improvement objectives and achieve a balanced budget.

Matter for Decision

The Housing Transformation programme was effectively the second year of a fundamental review of housing services. A programme of service changes and savings for 2016/17 was agreed in October 2015. The report fulfilled the requirement for further service transformation and savings proposals to be identified to meet a number of objectives, including the need to achieve a balanced budget in the longer term. 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

i.     Agreed the changes to achieve savings as set out in section 4 of the Officer’s report.

ii.    Support the future workstreams described in section 7 of the Officer’s report.

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 Strategic Advisor – Housing and Welfare Reforms.

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

     i.        Were satisfied that the report contained no surprises.

    ii.        Suggested that staff training would be key to the success of the project.

   iii.        Questioned how tenants would be informed of the changes.

  iv.        Stated that vulnerable tenants should be protected and that this should include tenants who might become vulnerable at a future date.

The Strategic Advisor – Housing and Welfare Reforms stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        Confirmed that the transformation budget could be used for resident involvement purposes linked to the transformation agenda.

    ii.        This was an initial headlines report and that more detailed reports would follow.

The Committee resolved by 12 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.