Agenda item

(a)  That the results of the Housing Capital Programme Option Appraisal process be noted

(b)  That the future housing capital programme be planned, procured and funded based upon option six and

(c)  That the additional funding requirement of £2.85M to fund the 2011-12 HRA capital programme be met from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue  balances

The Cabinet considered a report on priorities within the Housing Capital Investment Programme in light of the closure of the Council’s ALMO and the loss of the final tranche of the Decent Homes Capital Funding.  Members were also asked to consider any strategic changes in the procurement or delivery of future work programmes. 

In addition to background information and the impact of the investment strategy the report set out a number of options for future investment strategies.  Members favoured option 6 which delivered the Decent Homes standard on an elemental basis by end of 2012 but also included £500k in the 2011/12 programme to commence the delivery of the Council’s ‘Estate Improvement Programme’ as it allowed the Council to continue to meet the Decent Homes standards and also invested in neighbourhoods.

In answer to questions, the Director of Property confirmed that the Decent Homes Programme was a continuous programme with a view to properties being compliant by 2012.  It was agreed that an item would be placed in the Housing Newsletter stressing the continuous nature of the programme. 

Resolved –

(a)  That the results of the Housing Capital Programme Option Appraisal process be noted.

(b)  That the future housing capital programme be planned, procured and funded based upon option six.

(c)  That the additional funding requirement of £2.85M to fund the 2011-12 HRA capital programme be met from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue balances.