Issue - meetings

Stephen Hills introduced this report which highlighted the impact that a transfer of the housing stock would have on the Sustainable Community Strategy and the relevant performance indicators.

It was noted that if the transfer were agreed £40 million would be spent on housing improvements, which would also boost the local economy. In response to questioning Stephen Hills informed the Board that a Housing Association would receive all of their tenants’ rent, whilst the Council only received 28%. It appeared unlikely that the Government’s recent announcement regarding the building of new homes would benefit rural areas.

The Board noted the report.

The Leader of the Council, exercising the powers of the Housing Portfolio Holder in his absence, RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the conclusion of the New Landlord Selection Process be supported and that a new standalone local housing association be AGREED as the preferred model of a new local housing association landlord, should tenants vote in favour of a housing transfer. 

The papers considered by the Leader of the Council can be viewed using the following link to the Council's website (Agenda item 3 refers), www.scambs.gov.uk. Alternatively please contact Democratic Services to obtain a hard copy, telephone 01954 713016 e-mail democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk.      

Council RESOLVED that the conclusion of the New Landlord Selection Process be supported and that a new standalone local housing association be agreed as the preferred model of a new local housing association landlord, should tenants vote in favour of a housing transfer. 

Councillor RMA Manning moved, Councillor SM Edwards seconded and Council RESOLVED that the conclusion of the New Landlord Selection Process be supported and that a new standalone local housing association be agreed as the preferred model of a new local housing association landlord, should tenants vote in favour of a housing transfer. 

Councillor NN Cathcart requested to be recorded as voting against the proposal.

Councillors SM Edwards and AG Orgee requested to be recorded as voting in favour of the proposal.

Housing Futures New Landlord Open Day

2pm ‘til 5pm

Thursday 15 May 2008

Council Chamber

As you will be aware, the Council has decided to consult tenants and leaseholders on a possible transfer to a new housing association.

One of the first decisions to be made is what type of new landlord model could suit South Cambridgeshire best.  To help do this, a New Landlord Selection Panel has been set up to look at the possible options.  This panel is made up of tenants from across the district, who were elected by other tenants, as well as staff and councillor representatives.

The panel wants as many tenants and leaseholders as possible to have their say on which type of organisation they would prefer.  There are three possible options:

·                      A new standalone housing association set up by the Council. This would see a new local association set up in the district which would answer to a local Board of Management made up of local tenants, Council nominees and independent people. All decisions would be made locally.

·                      A new housing association within a new group structure. This would see a new local association set up by the Council that would be answerable to a local Board of Management, which would form a partnership with another existing standalone housing organisation. This partnership would form a new housing group.

·                      A new housing association within an existing group structure. This would see a new local association set up by the Council that would be answerable to a local Board of Management but it would be a new member of an existing housing group.

The panel would like to invite all members to come along to the open day on 15 May between 2pm and 5pm in the Council Chamber.

Here you will be able to meet members of the panel and talk to the Housing Futures Team. Representatives from existing housing associations will also be there to talk to you about how each of the three options work in practice.

Please don’t miss out on this opportunity to influence one of the first big decisions, which is part of the consultation process on housing transfer.

We look forward to seeing you on the day.