Issue - meetings

This report provided an update on progress achieved by the Housing Transformation Board in regard to the key work stream areas which focused on options to increase supply and speed up the rate of delivery for cost effective temporary accommodation and affordable housing supply as a direct alternative to the current reliance on the use of nightly rate temporary accommodation.

The Leader noted that increasing the affordable housing supply was the biggest issue facing the current administration (up to May 2022) however, it was important to acknowledge that the Council had a good record around the innovative use of schemes and finance.

In response to a question, the Director of Housing reported that overall demand had reduced very slightly.  However, pressures around welfare reform remained so it was therefore possible that the Council could see another peak in demand.  The Department was currently working to clear the backlog.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Contracts and Commissioning expressed surprise that it would take 18 months to sign off the new contract for the second  More Homes Bromley scheme.  The Director of Housing explained that the contract would have to go out to tender.  The timescales had been challenged and Members were being provided with the most cautious timescales however proposals would be brought forward at speed where possible.

The Director of Housing confirmed that all forms of housing would be reviewed and considered as part of the More Homes scheme including supported living properties.

The report had been scrutinised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing PDS Committee at its meeting on7th May 2019, and the Committee supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED that

(a)   the report be noted

(b)   Officers appoint specialist advisors to help complete the business case for a local housing company.

(c)  that the estimated cost of £100k be agreed for the necessary specialist advice and business case production to enable full consideration of setting up a local housing company is funded from the Growth Fund

(d)  authorisation be given to proceed to formal tender for a partner for a second phase of property acquisition.