Members resolved that the Appendix 1 to agenda item 6 (Proposal to acquire units for Affordable Housing Use) contained exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and other persons of a commercially sensitive nature, as defined by paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and that it would be treated as confidential information items during their public consideration by members.

Alan Evans, Director of Regeneration and Place, introduced a report on a proposal to acquire six new properties which would be used to enable the Council to use these properties for those in most need. Under this proposal the Council would add to the existing rental income generated from the Council’s current housing stock.

It was noted that as another option for consideration, the Council could allocate funding secured through commuted sums and the Better Care Fund to Registered Providers  to support the strategic delivery of these six units as new social sector homes for social rent but would still need to provide some level of funding to enable the homes to be let at social rents. However the Registered Provider would retain ownership of the units and so the Council would not receive any rental income from these units to support the long-term financial plan.

Members commented on the report and thanked the Director of Regeneration and Place and the team involved for the work they had done.

RESOLVED – That Housing Committee requests that Policy and Resources Committee approves the following recommendations:

(1)  The Director of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration and Place,  be authorised to negotiate the acquisition of six new social rented housing properties from Lovell Partnerships Ltd and to finalise all necessary associated legal documentation;

(2)  The Director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to enter into negotiations with Lovell Partnerships Ltd to negotiate an enhanced energy efficiency specification which may include the installation of solar photovoltaics for such properties.