Agenda item

(a)  That the draft be adopted as the Council’s HRA Asset Management Strategy

(b)  The HRA Asset Management Strategy be implemented in consultation with the Cabinet Member through the guidance of the Neighbourhood Services Lead, through his role of contract administrator of the RMI contract with Osborne Property Services Limited (OPSL) and with the support of the Strategic Director.

(c)  That the HRA Business Plan be updated to include the HRA Asset Management Strategy, and to offer a review of the strategy after the first two years of the RMI contract.

(d)  That the Cabinet receive a report to update on progress in 12 months.

The Lead Member for Corporate Finance & Housing and the Service Lead, Neighbourhoods introduced a report that sought approval for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Asset Management Strategy.  The document had been drafted in the context of the current housing option appraisal and the HRA Business Plan and it set out a structured basis for sustainable investment in Council housing.  The housing stock was a significant asset of circa £1.5bn and the strategy would shape the management of the asset and inform future investment decisions.

The Cabinet agreed that the strategy provided a framework to shape future decisions on upgrading and investing in the Council housing stock.  Previous experience of bringing homes up to Decent Homes standard had underlined the importance of engagement and social cohesion when planning major investment programmes.  It was also agreed that a clear plan and timetable of future works was required and needed to be regularly reviewed.  At the conclusion of the discussion the Cabinet agreed the strategy and requested that an update be received in twelve months time.

Resolved –

(a)  That the draft be adopted as the Council’s HRA Asset Management Strategy

(b)  The HRA Asset Management Strategy be implemented following consultation with the Cabinet Member through the guidance of the Neighbourhood Services Lead, through his role of contract administrator of the RMI contract with Osborne Property Services Limited (OPSL) and with the support of the Strategic Director.

(c)  That the HRA Business Plan be updated to include the HRA Asset Management Strategy, and to offer a review of the strategy after the first two years of the RMI contract.

(d)  That the Cabinet receive a report to update on progress in 12 months.