Decision details

Further to previous Cabinet decisions, to receive an update on the trading partnership with Osborne Property Services Ltd.

(a)  That it be noted that the Service Lead Governance, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Housing and Leader of the Council, had progressed the Articles of Association and Shareholder Agreement to a position of readiness for Osborne to approve or provide the council with enhanced provisions that would add value and benefit to the trading partnership.

(b)  That significant progress had been made with the initial 7 sites identified for the provision of modular homes, and for Cabinet to approve the further 17 sites (listed at 5.1.5) for evaluation for future presentation and proposal to Cabinet.

(c)  That the Service Lead Governance and Service Lead – Neighbourhoods, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Housing and Leader of the Council, be authorised to pursue the opportunity to develop, OJEU procure and launch an Asset Management Services Framework through the RMI as set out in item 5.2 of the report with supporting briefing paper at Appendix A. 

(d)  That it be noted that in advance of the launch of a repairs and maintenance service to the private rented sector through the trading partnership, the RMI has already responded to requests from the private sector to requests to carry out work, generating early additional income and which arose from the publicity surrounding the launch of the new contract.  This is being used to test the potential the trading partnership has in offering the repairs service to the private sector.