CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Officer Urgent Decision - Record

 

 

 

Decision(s) taken:	To amend the figures for the City Council aggregate amount in appendix A (b) of the Council’s adopted resolution of 25 February 2020.
Decision of:	Strategic Director 1
Date of decision:	27th February 2020
Matter for Decision:	To amend the Cambridge City Council council tax rates and aggregate amounts for bands A, B, C, E, F, G and H as in the attached revised Appendix A(b) – Council Tax Setting 2020/21.
Any alternative options considered and rejected:	Without making this administrative change, there is a possibility of the City Council’s tax rates being challenged as the rates agreed by Full Council on 25 February 2020 are incorrect by 1p.  A requirement to re-bill, if at any time in the 2020/21 year they were challenged, would be a significant additional cost and an inconvenience to residents, that is being prevented by the urgent action.  By not making this change the City Council would see a small shortfall in its budget for 2020/21 of £444.
Reason(s) for the decision including any background papers considered:	An urgent decision under paragraph 2 of section 9, Council Procedure Rules was necessary to enable the printing and delivery of Council Tax bills for the Council’s area within the statutory timescales.  To delay the matter for a further decision by a meeting of the Full Council was not possible if the Council was to meet its statutory timescales for billing.
Conflicts of interest and dispensations granted by the Chief Executive:	None.
Other Comments:	The Chief Executive was unavailable and therefore not able to be consulted before the action was taken.  The Head of Finance advised the Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources prior to the action being taken.
Reference:	20/OfficerUrgent/SR/01
Contact for further information:	Caroline Ryba, Head of Finance, 01223 458134 caroline.ryba@cambridge.gov.uk

 

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Record of Executive Decision

 

KINGS HEDGES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

 

Decision of:	Councillor Smith, Executive Councillor for Communities
Reference:	20/URGENCY/E&C/5
Date of decision:	06/03/20	Recorded on:	26/03/20
Decision Type:	Non Key Decision
Matter for Decision:	To offer Kings Hedges Family Support Group a 2019-20 grant of £20,000
Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):	The Kings Hedges Family Support Group 5 year lottery funding comes to an end at the end of March 2020 and they are considering a range of options as they do not have funding to carry on with the current level of activity that the lottery funding as enabled them to develop.   They currently run 5 separate groups in Abbey, Arbury and East Chesterton and compliment the work undertaken by the meadows Children & family Project. They work in high need areas and support families with complex needs.   Officers have undertaken an in-depth financial assessment and liaised with Kings Hedges Family Support Group. The proposal is to offer them a grant of £20k this year so that they do not need to start redundancy planning and can focus on fundraising for 2020-21. This £20k gives them security to undertake projects in the new financial year and will give prospective funders assurances they have a viable organisation.   Officers to support Kings Hedges Family Support Group to look at what their longer-term planning needs to consider.
The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):	The Executive Councillor for Communities agreed to offer Kings Hedges Family Support Group a 2019-20 grant of £20,000.
Reasons for the decision:	The Kings Hedges Family Support Group raised concerns in their £2020-21 grant application about the viability of the organisation going forward without a reduction in the much needed services they currently offer.   The funding will enable the Group to better plan services into 2020-21 without cutting immediately in April (not caused through poor management). It will also help them lever in alternative funding with Council monies being offered as match funding.
Scrutiny consideration:	The Chair and Spokesperson of Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.
Report:	Not applicable.
Conflicts of interest:	None known.
Comments:	Not applicable.

 

Approval to award a contract to carry out structural repairs and associated works to Council-owned flats.

Matter for Decision

     I.        The Council owned a number of blocks of flats built in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of these flats had structural concrete elements. Estates and Facilities had been identifying and surveying blocks that had three stories or more and we had identified an initial list of properties where structural repair works were required as a priority. Detailed designs had been carried out and the work now needed to be tendered in order to award a contract to a building contractor.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the issue of tenders and, following evaluation of tenders, authorise the Strategic Director (following consultation with Executive Councillor, Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes of the Committee) to award a contract to         a contractor to carry out structural repairs and associated repair works to Council housing flats.

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 Asset Manager.

 

In response to the report Leaseholder Representative, Diane Best suggested that the Tenant Representative / Vice Chair, Diana Minns be added to the consultees. The Committee agreed the recommendation was amended as follows (additional working in bold).

 

Approve the issue of tenders and, following evaluation of tenders, authorise the Strategic Director (following consultation with Executive Councillor, Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes of the Committee) to award a contract to a contractor to carry out structural repairs and associated repair works to Council housing flats.

The Asset Manager stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        It was expected that the work would begin in the summer months. This would be dependent on successful completion of the tender process

    ii.        Confirmed that preventative programmes of work were in place and it was anticipated that this would be a rolling programme due to the aging stock profile.

  iii.        Balcony repairs had been identified as a health and safety matter and repair work had begun over five years ago.

  iv.        A five-year rolling stock survey would dictate the future programme of cyclical repairs.

   v.        Drainage repairs works were also planned for the future.

  vi.        Agreed with the Tenant Representative’s suggestion that tenants needed to be reminded to inform their household insurer of any works involving scaffoldings.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the amended 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.

 

Decision required to update policy in relation to Housing First and Local Lettings policies.

Matter for Decision

     i.        The Local Lettings Policy sets out Cambridge City Council’s (CCC) position on the management of its own social housing stock through the use of Local Letting Plans.  A Local Lettings Plan is a set of guidelines or criteria governing which households can be allocated accommodation in a specific designated area. Local Lettings Plans are used to help create balance and cohesion where either a specific set of circumstances need to be addressed or where there are wider strategic objectives, such as helping to support the local economy.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the Policy included in Appendix A of the Officers 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 Head of Housing.

 

In response to Members’ questions, the Head of Housing confirmed that the report would return to this committee should there be any proposals to significantly change the policy.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved 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.

 

Matter for Decision

     i.        The Council had been working with the County Council to develop a Housing First programme for Cambridge City.

    ii.        There were plans to develop and test various Housing First models over the coming years so that the Council can evaluate the efficacy of these different approaches, but also because the needs of customers who sleep rough or who are at risk of rough sleeping cannot be met with a one-size-fits-all option and local consultation suggests they are in favour of a range of options.

  iii.        One of the models being developed involved a ‘caretaker’ living adjacent to customers in designated Housing First flats.

  iv.        The caretaker would be employed by the Council and consideration needed to be given to how to recruit the best person for the role and the process for allocating the accommodation.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Delegated authority to the Head of Housing to allocate accommodation to Housing First caretakers outside of the Council’s Lettings Policy.

    ii.        An update report to be brought to Housing Scrutiny Committee when the initial project had been running for 6 months.

 

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 Housing.

 

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

     i.        Welcomed the idea but suggested that the pay band might be rather low for what could be a very demanding role.

    ii.        Questioned the level of support that would be provided to the Caretakers.

  iii.        Suggested that there was a lot to be learnt from the first incumbents of the roles and asked if they could be invited to meet members of this committee.

 

The Head of Housing said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The Caretakers were not intended to be support workers.

    ii.        The recruitment process would be rigorous.

  iii.        Confirmed that, in terms of Housing First programmes more generally, extensive research into what had been successful in other areas had been carried out but that the Council had not discovered many examples of this caretaker-type arrangement. However, the Head of Housing had seen a similar model in action in London.

  iv.        This was a pilot project and would be reviewed.

   v.        Caretakers would be line managed by the Supported Housing Service.

 

The Committee suggested that the recommendations should be amended to reflect their desire for feedback from the initial project.

 

The following additional recommendation was agreed:

 

An update report to be brought to Housing Scrutiny Committee when the initial project had been running for 6 months.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the amended recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

 

·       Agreement to use Council land for this programme.

·       Support provision within the City.

Matter for Decision

     i.        The report provided details of POD homes for single homeless people to be gifted from Hill Partnership.  This project is proposed to be delivered as part of a wider compliment of Housing First provision.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Delegate authority to the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing to approve use of Council land as sites for PODs on an individual basis based on the criteria set out in this report.

    ii.        Approved the Budget of £140,000 to aid the delivery of PODs programme.

  iii.        Delegate authority to the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor to agree the final approach in which the PODS are let, owned and managed, which is expected to be through a third party charitable organisation.

 

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 Housing Services Manager.

 

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

     i.        Welcomed the scheme but questioned the size of the units that did not meet space standards.

    ii.        Asked if an approach could be made to the provider of the PODs for larger internal space standards.

  iii.        Expressed concerns regarding integration with existing communities and community safety.

  iv.        Suggested that those offered POD type accommodation might feel they are receiving an inferior option to other housing applicants.

   v.        Questioned why the sites proposed for the initial units were all in the North of the City.

  vi.        Raised concerns regarding on going support and progression option to more settled accommodation.

 

The Head of the Housing Development Agency said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The units were of a standard size and were being offered to a range of providers. They were factory built and needed to be easily transportable on a lorry.
Requesting bespoke options was unlikely to be successful.

    ii.        Proposed sites would be determined by availability.

  iii.        To date there was no feedback on the progress of a similar scheme managed and delivered by Allia.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

Matter for Decision

     i.        The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has upheld a complaint relating to a housing allocation to a vulnerable customer who subsequently became the victim of anti-social behaviour (ASB) from a neighbouring tenant.

    ii.        The report summarised the complaint, acknowledged that there were shortcomings in relation to working practices and set out the action taken in response. 

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Noted the findings of the LGSCO in respect of this case and the actions taken by the Council in response to these findings.

 

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 Housing.

 

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

     i.        Questioned the resource implications of the increased numbers of vulnerable tenants and how they would be supported.

    ii.        Suggested that an annual tenant churn of 500 to 800 would be difficult to manage if significant numbers of those new tenants had support needs.

 

The Head of Housing stated that the small internal Tenancy Sustainment Team offered a bridging service to direct those in need to other support services.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

This item was chaired by Councillor Mike Todd-Jones

 

Matter for Decision

     i.        The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 sets out the legal obligation for landlords to provide energy performance certificates to new and prospective tenants in the majority of rented homes. Currently this legislation is only enforceable by the local weights and measures service, this service sits within the Cambridgeshire County Council remit.

 

    ii.        The Energy Performance Certificate hereinafter referred to as EPC provides a rating for the energy performance of a home. The rating ranges from A to G with A being the most efficient. The rating is based on factors such as age, layout, heating, lighting and insulation. The ratings were all carried out to a set standard meaning all property EPCs were directly comparable. The EPC was presented in such a way to allows occupiers / prospective occupiers of the property to make an informed decision relating to energy costs and the thermal efficiency of the building. Appendix A sets out where the regulations require that an EPC should be provided.

 

  iii.        A breach of the aforementioned regulations would take place if the person who is responsible for letting the property had not provided an EPC to new tenants where the regulations require them to do so. A penalty notice may be served by the enforcing authority for a breach of the regulations. The penalty notice is fixed at £200 where the building was a dwelling. There was a right of appeal to the county court if the responsible person feels the notice should not have been served, however in most cases the offence will be clear.

 

  iv.        The delegation of these powers from the County Council to Cambridge City Council would lead to an improved customer journey by creating the ability for complaints relating to private sector housing to be addressed accordingly by a single authority. A copy of the proposed delegation is attached Appendix B of the Officers report.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved for Cambridge City Council to seek delegation from Cambridgeshire County Council for Part 7 Enforcement of The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.

    ii.        Approved investigation and enforcement by the Council for non-compliance of providing an energy performance certificate in cases where it is deemed appropriate.

  iii.        Approved the Environmental Health Manager to make a decision on the continuation of the delegation on a biannual basis or to give notice to terminate the delegation as appropriate.

 

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 Project Officer (Private Rented Sector).

 

The Project Officer (Private Rented Sector) said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        Confirmed that there would be some initial external funding. On-going costs (officer time) would be recovered from any fines imposed. It was not anticipated that the service would run at a lost but the situation would be monitored. 

    ii.        Enforcement of Energy Performance Certificate requirements would be difficult where a leaseholder was sub-letting and raising awareness was a better option.  

  iii.        The policy would only be applicable to domestic properties.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

To approve and adopt the revised HRA Asset Management Strategy.

Matter for Decision

A comprehensive review of the previous Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Asset Management Strategy (AMS) had been completed and the strategy would replace the previous version dated 2012.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the Housing Revenue Account Asset Management Strategy 2019/20 to 2024/25

 

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 Housing Maintenance and Assets and the Asset Manager, Business Transformation.

 

Councillor Cantrill sought clarification regarding a report that had gone to the Civic Affairs Committee and had shown some breaches of Gas Certification. Whilst accepting that the situation had been rectified very quickly, it raised doubts regarding confidence in the process. How had an unlawful situation been allowed to occur?

 

The Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets confirmed that at the point of sign up, the properties had had a valid certificate. Problems had arisen at the annual review point as the properties had not been added to the correct systems. The Head of Housing Mantenance and Assets undertook to circulate the Civic Affairs Committee report to Members of this Committee.

 

The Strategic Director (SH), the Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets, the Asset Manager, Business Transformation and the Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The Council was not always in a position to repurchase a shared ownership property. 

    ii.        Retrofitting Solar-power units to existing, tenanted blocks would be a large investment and was not current policy. However, it could be considered in the future as part of a programme of works to bring poor energy rated properties up to standard.

  iii.        Confirmed that costs against Keepmoat for delays in delivering new properties and snagging issues were being pursued.

  iv.        Confirmed that a range of methods were used to gather customer feedback of repairs.

   v.        The Asset Manager, Business Transformation undertook to investigate and confirm that similar feedback was gathered from leaseholders when rechargeable repairs were undertaken.

  vi.        Confirmed that approximately of 82 of the initial 500 new council properties would be fitted with individual gas boilers. The remainder would use alternative heat sources.

 vii.        Confirmed that the Audit Report received by the Civic Affairs Committee had not highlighted any critical faults. A service review would build in additional safeguards regarding fire safety for the future.

 

Councillor Porrer proposed and Councillor Cantrill seconded the following amendment (Text in italic to be inserted at the end of Section One of the report):

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee expresses its concern at the findings of the report, in these key areas of building safety.

 

To prioritise safely works across the housing estate, completing these works as a matter of urgency, in particular:

Confirmation of electrical testing certificates across all properties

Confirmation of gas safety certificates across all properties

Fire door inspections and replacements

Installation of heat detectors

Installation of emergency lighting in those blocks currently without this

 

The committee asks officers to provide a written update on a monthly basis to the Chair and Spokes.

 

Council Cantrill stated that the amendment would change priorities rather than requiring additional funding.

 

Councillor Todd-Jones proposed and Councillor Smart seconded an amendment to Councillor Porrer’s amendment as follows (struck through wording removed and text in bold added):

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee expresses its concern at the findings of the report, in these key areas of building safety further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

To prioritise safely works across the housing estate, completing these works as a matter of urgency, in particular:

Confirmation of electrical testing certificates across all properties

Confirmation of gas safety certificates across all properties

Fire door inspections and replacements

Installation of heat detectors

Installation of emergency lighting in those blocks currently without this

 

The committee asks officers to provide a written update on a monthly basis to the Chair and Spokes.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders’ safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress can be provided to Opposition Spokes and the Chair(s) of the committee.

 

Officers stated that they were happy to work with Members and to regularly supply any information required.

 

Councillor Porrer was not opposed to the suggested changes to her amendment but suggested that dates should be added and updates circulated to all Members of the Committee for added clarity as follows (struck through wording removed and text in bold added): 

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders’ safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice. Officers will update the Committee in January.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress can will be provided to Opposition Spokes and the Chair(s) all Members of the committee.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the amended amendment to the report. Final wording as follows:

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice. Officers will update the Committee in January.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress will be provided to all Members of the committee.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously 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.

 

Regular update on the HDA's progress toward building 500 new Council homes.

Matter for Decision

The report provided an update on the programme to deliver 500 Council homes with funding from the Combined Authority.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Noted the continued progress on the delivery of the Combined Authority programme.

    ii.        Noted the funding structure for the Combined Authority programme.

 

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 Housing Development.

 

The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager confirmed that to-date no approach had been made to the Secretary of State regarding cross budget funding arrangements. The current recommendations only relate to housing development and not to the Community Centre.

 

The Committee resolved by 5 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

Regular update showing the HDA's progress against the 500 homes target. The report will include an update on the contractual arrangements with the Cambridge Investment Partnership and will also include a decision on a change to the home-loss policy.

Matter for Decision

     i.        The report provided an update on the programme to deliver 500 Council homes with funding from the Combined Authority.

    ii.        All 500 homes had now been identified and the HDA was focusing its efforts on delivering the schemes in the programme.

  iii.        The Council now had 162 Council rented homes being built on site and was forecasting a further 176 due to start by the end of financial year 2019/20.

  iv.        14 homes of the City Council programme had now been completed across three sites.

   v.        There had been a change in the approach to contract arrangements for schemes developed by the Cambridge Investment Partnership which is detailed in Appendix 3.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Noted the continued progress on the delivery of the Combined Authority programme.

    ii.        Noted the funding structure for the Combined Authority programme.

  iii.        Approved the revised approach to land transactions for schemes developed by the Cambridge Investment Partnership as described in Appendix 3.

 

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 Housing Development Agency.

 

Officers confirmed that a Housing Tour for all Members of the Committee would be arranged shortly.

 

The Head of Housing Development Agency said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        Confirmed the tenure mix across the Mill Road site as single tenure block with the blocks mixed across the site.

    ii.        Confirmed that a planning application was expected shortly for the Meadows site.

  iii.        Stated that the utility cost across the Mill Road site would be at a flat rate and that the Council was seeking the best rate for the standing charges.

 

The Strategic Director (FB) stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.        Confirmed that the team had worked very hard to progress sites as quickly as possible.

     ii.         Stated that the clustering policy was currently under review.

    iii.        The tenure mix across new sites was seeking to establish mixed and diverse communities but needed to be flexible to suit different locations.

 

Councillor Executive Councillor for Housing stated that any transfer funding required to progress the Meadows Scheme would be small.

 

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

To update the Council's Tenancy Strategy 2012.

Matter for Decision

     i.        There was a statutory requirement for local authorities, in their strategic housing role, to have a tenancy strategy setting out the issues which Registered Providers operating in the local area must have regard to when deciding: the type of tenancies to offer; the circumstances in which they will offer a tenancy of a particular kind; the length of any fixed term tenancy; and the circumstances in which they will grant a new tenancy when a fixed term tenancy comes to an end.

    ii.        The Localism Act also required tenancy strategies to be kept under review.

  iii.        Minor changes were proposed to the requirements laid down in the original strategy published in 2012, reflecting more recent changes to government policy, more recent  data, and the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the revised Tenancy Strategy attached at Appendix 1 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 Housing Strategy Manager.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

Matter for Decision

     i.        As part of the 2020/21 budget process, the range of assumptions upon which the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy were based, had been reviewed in light of the latest information available, culminating in the preparation of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

    ii.        The HRA Budget-Setting Report provided an overview of the review of the key assumptions. It sets out the key parameters for the detailed recommendations and final budget proposals, and was the basis for the finalisation of the 2020/21 budgets.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

 

Under Part 1 of the agenda, the Executive Councillor resolved to:

 

Review of Rents and Charges

 

a)      Approve that council dwellings rents for all social rented properties be increased by inflation of 1.7%, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at September 2019, plus 1%, resulting in rent increases of 2.7%, with effect from 6 April 2020. This equates to an average rent increase at the time of writing this report of £2.65 per week on a 52 week basis.

 

b)      Approve that affordable rents (inclusive of service charge) are reviewed in line with rent legislation, to ensure that the rents charged are no more than 80% of market rent, with current rent levels increased by no more than by inflation of 1.7%, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at September 2019, plus 1%, resulting in rent increases of up to 2.7%.  Local policy is to cap affordable rents (inclusive of all service charges) at the Local Housing Allowance level, which will result in rent variations in line with any changes notified to the authority in this level if these result in a lower than 2.7% increase.

 

c)      Approve that rents for shared ownership are reviewed and amended from April 2020, in line with the specific requirements within the lease for each property.

 

d)      Approve that garage and parking space charges for 2020/21, are increased in line with inflation at 1.8%, with resulting charges as summarised in Section 3 of the HRA Budget Setting Report

 

e)      Approve the proposed service charges for Housing Revenue Account services and facilities, as shown in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

f)       Approve the proposed leasehold administration charges for 2020/21, as detailed in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

g)      Approve that caretaking, building cleaning, estate services, grounds maintenance, temporary housing premises and utilities, sheltered scheme premises and utilities, digital television aerial, gas maintenance, door entry systems, lifts, electrical and mechanical maintenance, flat cleaning, third party management and catering charges continue to be recovered at full cost, as detailed in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report, recognising that local authorities should endeavour to limit increases to inflation as measured by CPI at September 2019 (1.7%) plus 1%, wherever possible.

 

Revenue – HRA

 

Revised Budget 2019/20:

 

h)      Approve with any amendments, the Revised Budget identified in Section 4 and Appendix D (1) of the HRA Budget Setting Report, which reflects a net reduction in the use of HRA reserves for 2019/20 of £146,310.

 

Budget 2020/21:

 

i)       Approve with any amendments, any Non-Cash Limit items identified in Section 4 of the HRA Budget Setting Report or shown in Appendix D (2) of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

j)        Approve with any amendments, any Savings, Increased Income, Unavoidable Revenue Bids, Reduced Income proposals and Bids, as shown in Appendix D (2) of the HRA Budget Setting Report.  

 

k)       Approve the resulting Housing Revenue Account revenue budget as summarised in the Housing Revenue Account Summary Forecast 2019/20 to 2024/25 shown in Appendix J of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

Under Part 2 of the agenda, the Executive Councillor for Housing resolved that recommend to Council:

 

Treasury Management

 

l)        Approve the need to borrow over the 30-year life of the business plan, with the first instance of this anticipated to be in 2022/23, to sustain the current level of investment, which includes £10,000,000 per annum for the delivery of new homes.

 

m)     Recognise that any decision to borrow further will impact the authority’s ability to set-aside resource to redeem 25% of the value of the housing debt by the point at which the loan portfolio matures, with the approach to this to be reviewed before further borrowing commences.

 

Housing Capital

 

n)      Approval of capital bids and savings, shown in Appendix D (3) of the HRA Budget Setting Report, to include funding to begin to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.

 

o)      Approval of the latest Decent Homes Programme, to include an updated recharge of capitalised officer time and timing of decent homes expenditure for new build dwellings, as detailed in Appendix E of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

p)      Approval of the latest budget sums, profiling and associated financing for all new build schemes, including revised scheme budgets for Akeman Street, Meadows and Buchan Street and Campkin Road, based upon the latest cost information from the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) or direct procurements, as detailed in Appendices E and H, and summarised in Appendix K, of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

q)      Approval of re-phasing of budget for the Estate Improvement Scheme, to also include reallocation of the resource between capital and revenue based upon the projects identified to date, as detailed in Appendix E, and summarised in Appendix K, of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

r)       Approval of the revised Housing Capital Investment Plan as shown in Appendix K of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

General

 

s)      Approval of inclusion of Disabled Facilities Grant expenditure and associated grant income from 2020/21 onwards, based upon 2019/20 grant levels, with approval of delegation to the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to approve an in year increase or decrease in the budget for disabled facilities grants, in direct relation to any increase or decrease in the capital grant funding for this purpose, as received from the County Council through the Better Care Fund.

 

t)        Approval of delegation to the Strategic Director to review and amend the level of fees charged by the Shared Home Improvement Agency for disabled facilities grants and repair assistance grants, in line with any decisions made by the Shared Home Improvement Agency Board.

 

u)      Approval of delegation to the Strategic Director, in consultation with the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to draw down resource from the ear-marked reserve for potential debt redemption or re-investment, for the purpose of open market land or property acquisition or new build housing development, should the need arise, in order to meet quarterly deadlines for the use of retained right to buy receipts or to facilitate future site redevelopment.

 

v)      Approval of delegation to the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to make the necessary technical amendments to detailed budgets in respect of the outcome of the review of recharges between the General Fund and the HRA and the outcome of the review of the pension fund deficit contribution, with any net impact for the HRA to be incorporated as part of the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2020.

 

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 Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager.

 

The Committee noted that since publication of the report, the authority had received final confirmation of the pension figures, which were marginally lower than anticipated. The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager highlighted that a delegation to the Head of Finance had been included in the HRA BSR Covering Report to allow the required adjustments to be made once this figure was confirmed, and that this delegation would now be applied.

 

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

     i.        Noted the commitment in the budget to the Housing First Caretaker scheme.

    ii.        Welcomed the Housing First Caretaker roles but suggested that they should be employed on a higher pay grade as the job would be complex and demanding.

 

The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager, assisted by other officers (Head of Housing, Strategic Director, Head of Housing Development and Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets) stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        Explained why the figure for disabled adaptations had been reduced. This was based on previous demand trends which had reduced. This was in part due to the number of properties within the portfolio that had already been adapted. Confirmation was given that demand would be reviewed and the budget reconsidered in future years if demand increased.

    ii.        Confirmed that the Energy Officer would initially look at energy efficiency in the Council’s own housing stock.

  iii.        Explained that the Tenancy Auditor was for an initial pilot period of one year. In the long-term any post may be expected to be self-financing as it should help identify tenancy fraud, preventative repairs and tenants in need of additional support services. Extending the project to include Leasehold properties could be considered later.

  iv.        Confirmed that Cambridge had been late in the roll out programme of Universal Credit and the full impact had not yet been seen.

   v.        Confirmed that the net unavoidable revenue pressure in cyclical maintenance was the net position for the cost centre after virements between areas of spending. The officer confirmed that under the Council’s financial standing orders, cost centre managers have the ability to move funds between expenditure heads within a cost centre to better deliver services. The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager undertook to circulate the detailed virements that resulted in the net revenue pressure, after the meeting, for information.

 

Councillor Cantrill introduced the Liberal Democrat Amendment to the 2020/21 Housing Revenue Budget.

 

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

 

     i.        Suggested that targeting rent reduction to larger homes would be targeting support to larger families who may not need that support rather than to those on lower incomes. Stated that this would be unfair, and that the reduced rental income would in turn reduce the ability to build more properties.

    ii.        Stated that a move to Passive House Building methods would require an evidenced based analysis of what could be achieved. It would also significantly increase the spend on new build properties.

  iii.        Agreed that further advice on alternatives was needed before gas boilers were replaced like for like.

 

 

The following vote was chaired by Diana Minns (Vice Chair  / Tenant Representative)

 

The Liberal Democrats Group alternative budget: 3 votes in favour to 8 against. The amendment was lost.

 

Resolved (8 votes to 0) to endorse the original recommendations a to k of the budget proposal. 

 

The following vote was chaired by Councillor Todd-Jones

 

Resolved (5 votes to 0) to endorse the original recommendations l to v of the budget proposal. 

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.

 

Approval of latest financial assumptions for the HRA financial forecasts, of any in year budgetary changes for the HRA and of the approach to setting the budget for 2020/21.

Matter for Decision

A comprehensive review of the previous Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Asset Management Strategy (AMS) had been completed and the strategy would replace the previous version dated 2012.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the Housing Revenue Account Asset Management Strategy 2019/20 to 2024/25

 

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 Housing Maintenance and Assets and the Asset Manager, Business Transformation.

 

Councillor Cantrill sought clarification regarding a report that had gone to the Civic Affairs Committee and had shown some breaches of Gas Certification. Whilst accepting that the situation had been rectified very quickly, it raised doubts regarding confidence in the process. How had an unlawful situation been allowed to occur?

 

The Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets confirmed that at the point of sign up, the properties had had a valid certificate. Problems had arisen at the annual review point as the properties had not been added to the correct systems. The Head of Housing Mantenance and Assets undertook to circulate the Civic Affairs Committee report to Members of this Committee.

 

The Strategic Director (SH), the Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets, the Asset Manager, Business Transformation and the Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The Council was not always in a position to repurchase a shared ownership property. 

    ii.        Retrofitting Solar-power units to existing, tenanted blocks would be a large investment and was not current policy. However, it could be considered in the future as part of a programme of works to bring poor energy rated properties up to standard.

  iii.        Confirmed that costs against Keepmoat for delays in delivering new properties and snagging issues were being pursued.

  iv.        Confirmed that a range of methods were used to gather customer feedback of repairs.

   v.        The Asset Manager, Business Transformation undertook to investigate and confirm that similar feedback was gathered from leaseholders when rechargeable repairs were undertaken.

  vi.        Confirmed that approximately of 82 of the initial 500 new council properties would be fitted with individual gas boilers. The remainder would use alternative heat sources.

 vii.        Confirmed that the Audit Report received by the Civic Affairs Committee had not highlighted any critical faults. A service review would build in additional safeguards regarding fire safety for the future.

 

Councillor Porrer proposed and Councillor Cantrill seconded the following amendment (Text in italic to be inserted at the end of Section One of the report):

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee expresses its concern at the findings of the report, in these key areas of building safety.

 

To prioritise safely works across the housing estate, completing these works as a matter of urgency, in particular:

Confirmation of electrical testing certificates across all properties

Confirmation of gas safety certificates across all properties

Fire door inspections and replacements

Installation of heat detectors

Installation of emergency lighting in those blocks currently without this

 

The committee asks officers to provide a written update on a monthly basis to the Chair and Spokes.

 

Council Cantrill stated that the amendment would change priorities rather than requiring additional funding.

 

Councillor Todd-Jones proposed and Councillor Smart seconded an amendment to Councillor Porrer’s amendment as follows (struck through wording removed and text in bold added):

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee expresses its concern at the findings of the report, in these key areas of building safety further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

To prioritise safely works across the housing estate, completing these works as a matter of urgency, in particular:

Confirmation of electrical testing certificates across all properties

Confirmation of gas safety certificates across all properties

Fire door inspections and replacements

Installation of heat detectors

Installation of emergency lighting in those blocks currently without this

 

The committee asks officers to provide a written update on a monthly basis to the Chair and Spokes.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders’ safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress can be provided to Opposition Spokes and the Chair(s) of the committee.

 

Officers stated that they were happy to work with Members and to regularly supply any information required.

 

Councillor Porrer was not opposed to the suggested changes to her amendment but suggested that dates should be added and updates circulated to all Members of the Committee for added clarity as follows (struck through wording removed and text in bold added): 

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders’ safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice. Officers will update the Committee in January.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress can will be provided to Opposition Spokes and the Chair(s) all Members of the committee.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the amended amendment to the report. Final wording as follows:

 

The committee notes the internal audit report on gas and electricity safety compliance that was presented to the July Civic Affairs committee.  The committee further notes that Officers are already proactively dealing with these issues and previously reported to it when the Council discovered that some electrical safety information was missing, requested additional funds to ensure it could rectify the situation.

 

Work on fire safety has been given increased priority, hence the programme to install more heat detectors, and this work is reflected in the Corporate Fire Safety Strategy report to Strategy and Resource Committee in October.

 

As part of the Estate and Facilities Service Review, Officers are also looking at strengthening other areas of Tenant and Leaseholders safety. To that end recommendations will be brought forward from the Review to ensure the service overall is more effective in achieving compliance with safety regulations and best practice. Officers will update the Committee in January.

 

In addition, the new housing IT system is expected to go live in the 2020/2021 financial year, which will assist with improving service delivery and facilitate easier reporting on key areas.

 

Updates on progress will be provided to all Members of the committee.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously 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.

 

a) Approve the proposed charges for HRA housing rents and service charges.
b) Consider the revenue budget proposals.
c) Consider the capital budget proposals.

Matter for Decision

     i.        As part of the 2020/21 budget process, the range of assumptions upon which the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy were based, had been reviewed in light of the latest information available, culminating in the preparation of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

    ii.        The HRA Budget-Setting Report provided an overview of the review of the key assumptions. It sets out the key parameters for the detailed recommendations and final budget proposals, and was the basis for the finalisation of the 2020/21 budgets.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

 

Under Part 1 of the agenda, the Executive Councillor resolved to:

 

Review of Rents and Charges

 

a)      Approve that council dwellings rents for all social rented properties be increased by inflation of 1.7%, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at September 2019, plus 1%, resulting in rent increases of 2.7%, with effect from 6 April 2020. This equates to an average rent increase at the time of writing this report of £2.65 per week on a 52 week basis.

 

b)      Approve that affordable rents (inclusive of service charge) are reviewed in line with rent legislation, to ensure that the rents charged are no more than 80% of market rent, with current rent levels increased by no more than by inflation of 1.7%, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at September 2019, plus 1%, resulting in rent increases of up to 2.7%.  Local policy is to cap affordable rents (inclusive of all service charges) at the Local Housing Allowance level, which will result in rent variations in line with any changes notified to the authority in this level if these result in a lower than 2.7% increase.

 

c)      Approve that rents for shared ownership are reviewed and amended from April 2020, in line with the specific requirements within the lease for each property.

 

d)      Approve that garage and parking space charges for 2020/21, are increased in line with inflation at 1.8%, with resulting charges as summarised in Section 3 of the HRA Budget Setting Report

 

e)      Approve the proposed service charges for Housing Revenue Account services and facilities, as shown in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

f)       Approve the proposed leasehold administration charges for 2020/21, as detailed in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

g)      Approve that caretaking, building cleaning, estate services, grounds maintenance, temporary housing premises and utilities, sheltered scheme premises and utilities, digital television aerial, gas maintenance, door entry systems, lifts, electrical and mechanical maintenance, flat cleaning, third party management and catering charges continue to be recovered at full cost, as detailed in Appendix B of the HRA Budget Setting Report, recognising that local authorities should endeavour to limit increases to inflation as measured by CPI at September 2019 (1.7%) plus 1%, wherever possible.

 

Revenue – HRA

 

Revised Budget 2019/20:

 

h)      Approve with any amendments, the Revised Budget identified in Section 4 and Appendix D (1) of the HRA Budget Setting Report, which reflects a net reduction in the use of HRA reserves for 2019/20 of £146,310.

 

Budget 2020/21:

 

i)       Approve with any amendments, any Non-Cash Limit items identified in Section 4 of the HRA Budget Setting Report or shown in Appendix D (2) of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

j)        Approve with any amendments, any Savings, Increased Income, Unavoidable Revenue Bids, Reduced Income proposals and Bids, as shown in Appendix D (2) of the HRA Budget Setting Report.  

 

k)       Approve the resulting Housing Revenue Account revenue budget as summarised in the Housing Revenue Account Summary Forecast 2019/20 to 2024/25 shown in Appendix J of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

Under Part 2 of the agenda, the Executive Councillor for Housing resolved that recommend to Council:

 

Treasury Management

 

l)        Approve the need to borrow over the 30-year life of the business plan, with the first instance of this anticipated to be in 2022/23, to sustain the current level of investment, which includes £10,000,000 per annum for the delivery of new homes.

 

m)     Recognise that any decision to borrow further will impact the authority’s ability to set-aside resource to redeem 25% of the value of the housing debt by the point at which the loan portfolio matures, with the approach to this to be reviewed before further borrowing commences.

 

Housing Capital

 

n)      Approval of capital bids and savings, shown in Appendix D (3) of the HRA Budget Setting Report, to include funding to begin to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.

 

o)      Approval of the latest Decent Homes Programme, to include an updated recharge of capitalised officer time and timing of decent homes expenditure for new build dwellings, as detailed in Appendix E of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

p)      Approval of the latest budget sums, profiling and associated financing for all new build schemes, including revised scheme budgets for Akeman Street, Meadows and Buchan Street and Campkin Road, based upon the latest cost information from the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) or direct procurements, as detailed in Appendices E and H, and summarised in Appendix K, of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

q)      Approval of re-phasing of budget for the Estate Improvement Scheme, to also include reallocation of the resource between capital and revenue based upon the projects identified to date, as detailed in Appendix E, and summarised in Appendix K, of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

r)       Approval of the revised Housing Capital Investment Plan as shown in Appendix K of the HRA Budget Setting Report.

 

General

 

s)      Approval of inclusion of Disabled Facilities Grant expenditure and associated grant income from 2020/21 onwards, based upon 2019/20 grant levels, with approval of delegation to the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to approve an in year increase or decrease in the budget for disabled facilities grants, in direct relation to any increase or decrease in the capital grant funding for this purpose, as received from the County Council through the Better Care Fund.

 

t)        Approval of delegation to the Strategic Director to review and amend the level of fees charged by the Shared Home Improvement Agency for disabled facilities grants and repair assistance grants, in line with any decisions made by the Shared Home Improvement Agency Board.

 

u)      Approval of delegation to the Strategic Director, in consultation with the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to draw down resource from the ear-marked reserve for potential debt redemption or re-investment, for the purpose of open market land or property acquisition or new build housing development, should the need arise, in order to meet quarterly deadlines for the use of retained right to buy receipts or to facilitate future site redevelopment.

 

v)      Approval of delegation to the Head of Finance, as Section 151 Officer, to make the necessary technical amendments to detailed budgets in respect of the outcome of the review of recharges between the General Fund and the HRA and the outcome of the review of the pension fund deficit contribution, with any net impact for the HRA to be incorporated as part of the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2020.

 

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 Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager.

 

The Committee noted that since publication of the report, the authority had received final confirmation of the pension figures, which were marginally lower than anticipated. The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager highlighted that a delegation to the Head of Finance had been included in the HRA BSR Covering Report to allow the required adjustments to be made once this figure was confirmed, and that this delegation would now be applied.

 

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

     i.        Noted the commitment in the budget to the Housing First Caretaker scheme.

    ii.        Welcomed the Housing First Caretaker roles but suggested that they should be employed on a higher pay grade as the job would be complex and demanding.

 

The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager, assisted by other officers (Head of Housing, Strategic Director, Head of Housing Development and Head of Housing Maintenance and Assets) stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        Explained why the figure for disabled adaptations had been reduced. This was based on previous demand trends which had reduced. This was in part due to the number of properties within the portfolio that had already been adapted. Confirmation was given that demand would be reviewed and the budget reconsidered in future years if demand increased.

    ii.        Confirmed that the Energy Officer would initially look at energy efficiency in the Council’s own housing stock.

  iii.        Explained that the Tenancy Auditor was for an initial pilot period of one year. In the long-term any post may be expected to be self-financing as it should help identify tenancy fraud, preventative repairs and tenants in need of additional support services. Extending the project to include Leasehold properties could be considered later.

  iv.        Confirmed that Cambridge had been late in the roll out programme of Universal Credit and the full impact had not yet been seen.

   v.        Confirmed that the net unavoidable revenue pressure in cyclical maintenance was the net position for the cost centre after virements between areas of spending. The officer confirmed that under the Council’s financial standing orders, cost centre managers have the ability to move funds between expenditure heads within a cost centre to better deliver services. The Assistant Head of Finance and Business Manager undertook to circulate the detailed virements that resulted in the net revenue pressure, after the meeting, for information.

 

Councillor Cantrill introduced the Liberal Democrat Amendment to the 2020/21 Housing Revenue Budget.

 

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

 

     i.        Suggested that targeting rent reduction to larger homes would be targeting support to larger families who may not need that support rather than to those on lower incomes. Stated that this would be unfair, and that the reduced rental income would in turn reduce the ability to build more properties.

    ii.        Stated that a move to Passive House Building methods would require an evidenced based analysis of what could be achieved. It would also significantly increase the spend on new build properties.

  iii.        Agreed that further advice on alternatives was needed before gas boilers were replaced like for like.

 

 

The following vote was chaired by Diana Minns (Vice Chair  / Tenant Representative)

 

The Liberal Democrats Group alternative budget: 3 votes in favour to 8 against. The amendment was lost.

 

Resolved (8 votes to 0) to endorse the original recommendations a to k of the budget proposal. 

 

The following vote was chaired by Councillor Todd-Jones

 

Resolved (5 votes to 0) to endorse the original recommendations l to v of the budget proposal. 

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.