Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:  

The Council has successfully bid for Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant funding for developing new build Affordable Housing in the previous two bid rounds. It was proposed within the report that Cambridge City Council bids for grant to help fund the delivery of future Affordable Housing to be owned and managed by the Council.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

The Executive Councillor resolved:

     i.        To approve that delegated authority be given to the Director of Customer and Community Services following consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Chair and Spokes to agree the final bid to secure grant funding from the HCA and to agree to enter into a Framework Delivery Agreement (FDA) with the HCA if successful.

    ii.        To approve delegated authority be given to the Director of Customer and Community Services following consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Chair and Spokes to agree future bids to the HCA for grant funding via future market engagement.

Reason for the Decision:

If the Council does not bid for the grant funding other sources of funding will be required to deliver future new build Affordable Housing schemes.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Housing Development Manager regarding the bid to the HCA.

Concerns were raised regarding the reference to affordable rents of 80% of market rent. The Executive Councillor assured members that Cambridge City Council had successfully argued for a lower rate on the grounds that 80% was unaffordable due to high values in the local market.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.