Issue - meetings

Report and appendices attached.

RECOMMENDATIONS (taken from paragraphs 64-66 of the report)

1.                  That Council notes the responses of tenants and leaseholders as set out in the report and its appendices.

2.                  That Council RESOLVES to issue a formal Stage 2 letter to all secure tenants confirming:

a)   The terms of the Council’s offer as set out in the formal (stage 1) consultation document subject to clarification of the matters referred to in Appendix 3, as amended in light of representations by the Homes and Communities Agency (see below)

b)     Tenants’ right to communicate objections to the Council’s housing transfer proposal to the Secretary of State within twenty-eight days from receipt of the Stage 2 Letter,

c)     The ability of the Secretary of State to withhold consent if a majority of affected tenants do not wish the transfer to proceed.

3.                  That Electoral Reform Ballot Services Ltd be commissioned to carry out a formal ballot of tenants in respect of the proposed transfer of homes to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.

SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA

Appendix 3 to the report has been revised to incorporate comments by the Homes and Communities Agency, received after the initial publication of the Agenda. The revised version is attached.

Council RESOLVED:

1. That the responses of tenants and leaseholders, set out in the report and its appendices, be noted.

2. That a formal Stage 2 letter be issued to all secure tenants confirming:

a)      The terms of the Council’s offer as set out in the formal (stage 1) consultation document, subject to clarification of the matters referred to in Appendix 3, amended in light of representations received by the Homes and Communities Agency by the inclusion of the following paragraph:

‘South Cambridgeshire Village Homes would be registered with a Government-sponsored body called the Tenant Services Authority who would monitor and regulate its overall performance, including checking the business plan and general financial health.’

b)      Tenants’ right to communicate objections to the Council’s housing transfer proposal to the Secretary of State within twenty-eight days from receipt of the Stage 2 Letter, and

c)  The ability of the Secretary of State to withhold consent if a majority of

affected tenants do not wish the transfer to proceed.

3. That Electoral Reform Ballot Services Ltd be commissioned to carry out a formal ballot of tenants in respect of the proposed transfer of homes to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.

Council considered a report setting out the process which had been undertaken as part of the Stage 1 consultation on the Council’s housing transfer proposal and containing recommendations on the next steps, including whether to move forward to a tenant ballot.

Councillor SM Edwards moved and Councillor RMA Manning seconded the recommendations set out in paragraphs 64-66 of the report, subject to the following addition to the suggested points of clarification for inclusion in the Stage 2 Notice to Tenants at Appendix 3, amended in light of representations received by the Homes and Communities Agency since the original publication of the Agenda:

‘South Cambridgeshire Village Homes would be registered with a Government-sponsored body called the Tenant Services Authority who would monitor and

regulate its overall performance, including checking the business plan and general financial health.’

During the course of debate on this item, Council resolved, in accordance with Standing Order 22.1, to suspend Standing Order 12.5 to enable debate to exceed thirty minutes in duration.

Councillor SGM Kindersley moved an amendment that Council support the holding of a tenant ballot; however, the ballot should be delayed pending the carrying out of a full financial appraisal.

The Chairman rejected the amendment on the grounds that it was in similar terms to an amendment which had been rejected at a meeting of Council within the past six months. In accordance with Council Standing Order 15.2, the signatures of at least twelve members were required to enable such an amendment to be moved.

Council RESOLVED:

1. That the responses of tenants and leaseholders, set out in the report and its appendices, be noted.

2. That a formal Stage 2 letter be issued to all secure tenants confirming:

a)      The terms of the Council’s offer as set out in the formal (stage 1) consultation document, subject to clarification of the matters referred to in Appendix 3, amended in light of representations received by the Homes and Communities Agency by the inclusion of the following paragraph:

‘South Cambridgeshire Village Homes would be registered with a Government-sponsored body called the Tenant Services Authority who would monitor and regulate its overall performance, including checking the business plan and general financial health.’

b)      Tenants’ right to communicate objections to the Council’s housing transfer proposal to the Secretary of State within twenty-eight days from receipt of the Stage 2 Letter, and

c)  The ability of the Secretary of State to withhold consent if a majority of

affected tenants do not wish the transfer to proceed.

3. That Electoral Reform Ballot Services Ltd be commissioned to carry out a formal ballot of tenants in respect of the proposed transfer of homes to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.

The voting was recorded as follows:

FOR: (31)

Dr DR Bard                 RE Barrett             Mrs VM Barrett

NCF Bolitho                 FWM Burkitt              BR Burling

TD Bygott                    Mrs PS Corney            NS Davies

Ms JA Dipple               SM Edwards                      Mrs SM Ellington

VG Ford                       Mrs JM Guest              R Hall

JA Hockney                 MP Howell             PT Johnson

MB Loynes                  RMA Manning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103

Report attached.

RECOMMENDATIONS (From paragraph 28 of the report)

Council is recommended to note the arrangements necessary in the event of a

positive tenant ballot, and to:

a.      Instruct the Chief Executive to prepare the necessary officer secondment arrangements to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes (SCVH) and the Council’s post ballot transfer team along with appropriate backfilling measures, in order that these can be approved by Council at a post ballot meeting.

b.       Postpone the deletion of the Head of Housing Strategic Services post from 30 June 2009 to 31 October 2009.

c.      Note the arrangements for the appointment of post ballot advisors to the Council

d.      Note the arrangements that would be necessary to fund SCVH in the post ballot, pre transfer period, and that more details would be presented to a post ballot Council meeting.

Council RESOLVED to note the arrangements necessary in the event of a

positive tenant ballot, and to:

a.      Instruct the Chief Executive to prepare the necessary officer secondment arrangements to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes (SCVH) and the Council’s post ballot transfer team along with appropriate backfilling measures, in order that these can be approved by Council at a post ballot meeting.

b.      Postpone the deletion of the Head of Housing Strategic Services post from 30 June 2009 to 31 October 2009.

c.      Note the arrangements for the appointment of post ballot advisors to the Council

d.      Note the arrangements that would be necessary to fund SCVH in the post ballot, pre transfer period, and that more details would be presented to a post ballot Council meeting.

Councillor SM Edwards moved, Councillor RMA Manning seconded and Council RESOLVED to note the arrangements necessary in the event of a

positive tenant ballot, and to:

a.      Instruct the Chief Executive to prepare the necessary officer secondment arrangements to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes (SCVH) and the Council’s post ballot transfer team along with appropriate backfilling measures, in order that these can be approved by Council at a post ballot meeting.

b.      Postpone the deletion of the Head of Housing Strategic Services post from 30 June 2009 to 31 October 2009.

c.      Note the arrangements for the appointment of post ballot advisors to the Council

d.      Note the arrangements that would be necessary to fund SCVH in the post ballot, pre transfer period, and that more details would be presented to a post ballot Council meeting.

The Formal Offer Document to tenants is being posted to tenants this week and a hard copy of this will be placed in members’ pigeonholes. Due to the size of this document could we encourage Councillors to collect their copy to save on postage costs?

The full proposal is available on the Council’s website.

The Housing Portfolio Holder RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(i)                  That Council notes the headline net capital receipt and General Fund impacts set out in appendix 2.

(ii)                That Council supports the additional enhancements within the offer to tenants of £5m in the first five years, including at least £2m for SCVH to enable the provision of new affordable homes in the district, over and above an investment programme of £323m over 30 years reflected in the indicative gross valuation, as reflected in appendix 2.

(iii)               That Council supports, subject to any amendments agreed to reflect comments from the Shadow Board or at the meeting, the draft formal consultation document attached as Appendix 3 as being the best possible transfer offer to tenants having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

(iv)              That Council agrees to proceed to formal consultation with its tenants on its transfer proposal, and to consider responses to that consultation at a future meeting.

(v)                That Council, while recognising that it can only proceed with its transfer proposal if the majority of secure tenants support its transfer offer in a secret ballot, will arrange an advisory ballot of leaseholders.

(vi)              That authority is delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder, to approve the final print version of the offer document to be distributed to tenants.

The covering report of the Executive Director and appendices 1-3 are attached.

Council RESOLVED:

(i)                  That the headline net capital receipt and General Fund impacts set out in appendix 2 to the report be noted.

(ii)                That the additional enhancements within the offer to tenants of £5m in the first five years, including at least £2m for SCVH to enable the provision of new affordable homes in the district, over and above an investment programme of £323m over 30 years reflected in the indicative gross valuation, as reflected in appendix 2 to the report, be supported.

(iii)               That the draft formal consultation document attached as Appendix 3 to the report be agreed as being the best possible transfer offer to tenants having regard to the financial impact on the Council, subject to the incorporation of the amendments requested by the South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, Tenant Services Authority and Homes and Communities Agency, circulated prior to, and tabled at, the meeting.

(iv)              To proceed to formal consultation with its tenants on its transfer proposal, and to consider responses to that consultation at a future meeting.

(v)                That, while recognising that it can only proceed with its transfer proposal if the majority of secure tenants support its transfer offer in a secret ballot, an advisory ballot of leaseholders be undertaken.

(vi)              That authority be delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder, to approve minor typographical amendments to the final print version of the offer document to be distributed to tenants.

Councillor SM Edwards moved and Councillor RMA Manning seconded the recommendations of the Cabinet set out under Agenda Item 7(a), subject to the incorporation within the Offer Document of the amendments requested by the South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, Tenant Services Authority and Homes and Communities Agency, circulated prior to, and tabled at, the meeting.

Councillor JP Chatfield moved and Councillor NN Cathcart seconded the following Procedural Motion under Standing Order 13(d):

'This Council considers that, in light of the negative financial outlook for the banking sector and housing associations, it would not be prudent to proceed with formal consultation on its housing transfer proposal at this stage. Council therefore resolves to refer the matter to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Cabinet for a further recommendation to Council at the end of a 12-month period when the financial outlook is likely to be more certain.'

During debate of this Motion Council RESOLVED, in accordance with Standing Order 22.1, to suspend Standing Order 12.5 to enable the duration of the debate to exceed thirty minutes.

The Procedural Motion, on being put, was declared lost.

The Substantive Motion proposed by Councillor Edwards, on being put, was declared carried.

Council RESOLVED:

(i) That the headline net capital receipt and General Fund impacts set out in appendix 2 to the report be noted.

(ii) That the additional enhancements within the offer to tenants of £5m in the first five years, including at least £2m for SCVH to enable the provision of new affordable homes in the district, over and above an investment programme of £323m over 30 years reflected in the indicative gross valuation, as reflected in appendix 2 to the report, be supported.

(iii) That the draft formal consultation document attached as Appendix 3 to the report be agreed as being the best possible transfer offer to tenants having regard to the financial impact on the Council, subject to the incorporation of the amendments requested by the South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, Tenant Services Authority and Homes and Communities Agency, circulated prior to, and tabled at, the meeting.

(iv) To proceed to formal consultation with its tenants on its transfer proposal, and to consider responses to that consultation at a future meeting.

(v) That, while recognising that it can only proceed with its transfer proposal if the majority of secure tenants support its transfer offer in a secret ballot, an advisory ballot of leaseholders be undertaken.

(vi) That authority be delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder, to approve minor typographical amendments to the final print version of the offer document to be distributed to tenants.

The Housing Portfolio Holder APPROVED the following RECOMMENDATIONS TO FULL COUNCIL:

i)                   That Council notes the headline net capital receipt and General Fund impacts set out in appendix 2.

ii)                 That Council supports the additional enhancements within the offer to tenants of £5m in the first five years, including at least £2m for SCVH to enable the provision of new affordable homes in the district, over and above an investment programme of £323m over 30 years reflected in the indicative gross valuation, as reflected in appendix 2.

iii)               That Council supports the draft formal consultation document attached as appendix 3 as being the best possible transfer offer to tenants having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

iv)               That Council agrees to proceed to formal consultation with its tenants on its transfer proposal, and to consider responses to that consultation at a future meeting.

v)                 That Council, while recognising that it can only proceed with its transfer proposal if the majority of secure tenants support its transfer offer in a secret ballot, will involve leaseholders in its consultation on the transfer proposal, and will arrange an advisory ballot of leaseholders.

vi)                That authority is delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder, to approve the final print version of the offer document to be distributed to tenants.

That following consideration of the offer document by the Shadow Board of SCVH on 22^nd January 2009, any additional comments be provided to Council before its meeting on 29^th January 2009.

The Portfolio Holder welcomed several members of the South Cambridgeshire Village Homes Shadow Board and a number of tenants to the meeting.  He advised that the Executive Director would present a high level overview of the consultation process and the offer document, while he (the Portfolio Holder) would work through the offer document on a page by page basis inviting comment from those present. 

Executive Director’s Introduction

The key points of the Executive Director’s introduction were as follows:

• In November 2008 Council had tasked officers to produce an Offer Document, covering 13 principles.

• The Offer Document would be the Council’s offer to tenants to help them make an informed choice in the ballot.  He advised that the document would set out the Council’s promises to tenants and was compliant with regulatory guidance.

• The Executive Director stressed that the document before the meeting was not:

• Six key points were identified from the commitments made to tenants:

1.      Rents would be no more than they would be with the Council

2.      Key rights would be protected

3.      An extra forty million pounds would be available for investment in homes

4.      Enhanced investment of three million pounds would be available for environmental improvements

5.      More adaptations, and a commitment to clear the backlog of requests, would be available to older and disabled tenants

6.      There would be £2 million contribution from the Council to SCVH to help provide more affordable homes.

• It was confirmed that the promises contained within the Offer Document would be deliverable by South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.  The Portfolio Holder was advised that the promises had been the subject of much debate by the Shadow Board and that the Tenant Services Authority would ensure that the promises were delivered.

• The full legal transfer document had still to be drawn up – this would be post ballot should tenants support transfer.

• There would also be a need to retain a viable council post transfer.

• The Executive Director concluded by outlining the next steps:

Questions and Comments

It was confirmed that the Formal Offer Document would be appended to the legal transfer contract and would be scrutinised by legal advisors for both the Council and South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.

It was confirmed that the ballot for leaseholders would be for advisory purposes only and would have no effect on the result of the ballot for secure tenants.  The wording of recommendation (v) to be amended to clarify.

Action: Denise Lewis

The Portfolio Holder said that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(a)               That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

(b)               That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report are fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

(c)               That officers be instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or ‘offer’) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Council early in 2009.

(d)               That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

(e)               That the Council supports in principle, a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

The report and appendix considered by the Cabinet can be accessed using the following links to the Council’s website, www.scambs.gov.uk:

- Report

- Appendix

A hard copy of the papers is available to view in the Members’ Room. Alternatively, to obtain a hard copy, please contact Democratic Services, telephone (01954) 713016 e-mail democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk.

RESOLVED:

(a)               That the Council will make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

(b)               That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report are supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

(c)               That officers be instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or ‘offer’) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Council early in 2009.

(d)               That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

(e)               That the Council supports in principle, a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

Councillor SM Edwards moved and Councillor RMA Manning seconded the following recommendations of the Cabinet:

(a)               That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

(b)               That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report are fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

(c)               That officers be instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or ‘offer’) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Council early in 2009.

(d)               That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

(e)               That the Council supports in principle, a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

Councillor A Riley moved and Councillor D de Lacey seconded an amendment in the following terms (amendments marked in bold italics):

(a)   That the Council will  make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

(b)   That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report are supported by Cabinet which considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

(c)   That officers be instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or ‘offer’) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Council early in 2009.

(d)   That the Council will reduce its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

(e)   That the Council supports a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

In accordance with Standing Order 14.6(b), the proposer and seconder of the original Motion accepted the amendment to part (a), therefore part (a) stood altered accordingly.

In accordance with Standing Order 14.6(a), the Chairman did not allow the amendment to part (b) to be put on the grounds that, if passed, its effect would be to negate the original Motion.

The amendments to parts (d)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

1. That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

2. That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report be fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

3. That officers are instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or “offer”) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and then Council early in 2009.

4. That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

5. That the Council supports in principle a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

Cabinet

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

A)     That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

B)    That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report be fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

C)    That officers are instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or “offer”) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and then Council early in 2009.

D)    That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

E)     That the Council supports in principle a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

Councillor SM Edwards, Housing Portfolio Holder, presented this report on the development of the housing transfer proposal, which recommended to Council the key principles that will underpin the authority’s offer to tenants. He explained that:

• The right for tenants to manage their own estates would be lost
• Secure tenancies would become assured tenancies

Councillor Edwards also stated that the current standard of service provided by the Council could not continue. In the event that the stock was retained, the repairs service would be exposed to competition, and there was a possibility that the Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) might not be successful in this process.

Cabinet agreed to amend the first sentence of recommendation (b) on page 42 to read “… are fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer …”

It was understood that the purpose of the recent consultation with tenants was to listen and respond to any concerns, not to gauge the level of support for the scheme.

The following concerns were expressed by members present:

• The commitment in the recommendations to increasing the supply of affordable housing should be strengthened, as should the proposed reduction of the Council’s places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes.
• The cost of services currently provided by the Council needed to be considered.
• The complexities of the Community Gateway Association model needed to be explained prior to Members voting on this matter at Council.

Cabinet

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

A)     That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer offer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

B)    That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 33 of the report be fully supported as Cabinet considers that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not for profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the Council’s tenants.

C)    That officers are instructed to develop the details of those proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or “offer”) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and then Council early in 2009.

D)    That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Association model are incorporated in future.

E)     That the Council supports in principle a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

Dear Members

The next in our series of briefings for Members is scheduled for Thursday 20 November 2008 at 12.30 pm in the Swansley Room.  A light lunch will be provided.

The briefing will focus on development of the Council’s offer to tenants and will give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have with the team.

If you have any specific questions or areas you would like covered please let us know in advance to enable us to be able to provide this information on the day.

I do hope that you will be able to attend this important briefing. If you wish to attend please contact Gina Manderson at gina.manderson@scambs.gov.uk or telephone 01954 713404

To enable this to go ahead a minimum attendance of 10 people is required.  If you are unable to make the lunchtime session, a further briefing is scheduled for 6 pm on the same day.   

The Housing Portfolio Holder APPROVED the following recommendations to Cabinet:

               I.      That the Council seeks to make the best possible transfer to tenants by reflecting tenants’ aspirations as expressed through the extensive Housing Futures consultation activities, while having regard to the financial impact on the Council.

             II.      That the outline proposals set out in paragraph 32 of the accompanying report are fully supported as they clearly demonstrate that transfer to South Cambridgeshire Village Homes, a new local not-for-profit Housing Association, is in the best interests of the council’s tenants.

            III.      That officers are instructed to develop the details of these proposals, in consultation with tenants, staff and the shadow board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes for inclusion in the formal consultation (or “offer”) document for presentation to the Housing Portfolio Holder and then Council in early 2009.

          IV.      That the Council is prepared to consider reducing its places on the board of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes from five to three, in order to allow for a higher number of tenant board members, if principles from the Community Gateway Model are incorporated in future.

            V.      That the Council supports in principle a commitment that the housing transfer proposal should deliver an increase in the supply of affordable homes in the district’s villages.

etWith the agreement of the Portfolio Holder this item was bought forward on the agenda to enable timely publication of the Cabinet agenda.

The Executive Director presented a report detailing progress on the development of the housing transfer proposal and seeking the Portfolio Holder’s endorsement of the key principles that would underpin the Council’s offer to tenants.

The Executive Director advised the Portfolio Holder that the report set the framework for any offer to tenants and that a variation of the report would be presented to the Housing Futures Shadow Board on 17 November 2008.  He stressed that the Council would make the offer to tenants, but it would be the responsibility of South Cambridgeshire Village Homes to deliver it.

The Executive Director highlighted several areas of the report for special mention.  He said that the home visits programme was the biggest ever undertaken and that, in conjunction with other consultation exercises, the Council had captured the key concerns and aspirations of the tenants.   He further advised the Portfolio Holder that the outputs from the communication exercise featured in the report were not listed in priority order.

In conclusion he advised the Portfolio Holder that the recommendations had been formulated to:

1. Take into account the aspirations of the tenants without losing sight of the financial impact on the Council
2. Provide a framework for officers to develop the final offer
3. Keep open the option of forming a Community Gateway Association
4. Avoid being overly prescriptive at this point.

Issues raised.

Recommendation iii:  Community Gateway Association (CGA model) – reduction in council representatives from 5 to 3.  Cllr Heazell advised delaying this decision until all members had been fully briefed on the complexity of the issues.  The Executive Director advised that the recommendation had been worded to bring the idea to Council’s attention and to “leave the door open”.   He further advised that it was too early to establish a CGA model and that the recommendation was looking for an “in principle” agreement to do so.  The decision proper would come at the point of the formal offer to tenants.

Katrina Laud added that feedback had indicated that tenants wanted a voice in the running of any new housing association model, and that the CGA model would provide that voice.

Concern was expressed that 57% of tenants claimed to be undecided despite the money spent by the Council on communications.  In reply the Portfolio Holder said that this suggested that tenants were looking seriously at the issue and were waiting for the formal offer document before making a decision.

The modest aspirations of the tenants were due to the good condition of the homes and a reflection that the council had always given good service to its tenants.

The Shadow Board will have to construct a robust business plan to demonstrate how it will pay for the properties and implement the measures in the offer document.

In reply to a question concerning the availability of land for future building the Portfolio Holder commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35