Issue - meetings

A report setting out the second annual refresh of the Housing Asset Management Plan and associated capital programme, covering the period 2025-203.

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the progress made on delivery of the HRA Asset Management Plan during 2024/2025 and updated trajectory for the HRA Business Plan.

2)    ENDORSED the HRA Asset Management Plan refresh (2025-2030) and associated capital programme.

3)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services, authority to apply for, accept and implement investment in tenant’s homes through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

4)    APROVED, in principle, to convert the Fairmead Community Centre and Douglas Jane Community Room to enable the provision of three additional housing units, subject to financial viability being confirmed, and;

5)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services, authority to finalise the associated business cases and delivery arrangements to compete the residential conversions.

The Director for Housing and Communities, Michelle Howard, introduced the report. Councillor Allnatt moved the recommendations and Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

It was commented that it was good that the Council would be utilising the space occupied by underused buildings. In one instance, an underused building is occupying enough space for three dwellings.

It was noted how positive it was that the business plan had smoothed out and it is no longer anticipated to be in deficit in year 10 of the plan.

RESOLVED

Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the progress made on delivery of the HRA Asset Management Plan during 2024/2025 and updated trajectory for the HRA Business Plan.

2)    ENDORSED the HRA Asset Management Plan refresh (2025-2030) and associated capital programme.

3)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services, authority to apply for, accept and implement investment in tenant’s homes through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

4)    APROVED, in principle, to convert the Fairmead Community Centre and Douglas Jane Community Room to enable the provision of three additional housing units, subject to financial viability being confirmed, and;

5)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services, authority to finalise the associated business cases and delivery arrangements to compete the residential conversions.

(Key decision)

Reasons for recommendations

Refreshing the Asset Management Plan on an annual basis enables continued focus on investment in council homes and keeping tenants safe whilst taking account of the economic and regulatory context within which the council delivers its services and the long term trajectory for the Business Plan and financial health of the Housing Revenue Account.

The Asset Management Plan shows how the council will manage compliance with regulatory requirements and meet the decent homes standard across council housing stock. It also refreshes and sets out a clear action plan for future investment, responds to a changing regulatory context, reflects up to date operating costs and plans capital spend accordingly. It enables inclusion of key projects and programmes of work.

Having an Asset Management Plan in place helps to provide a good framework for capital investment planning and a framework through which the council can demonstrate progress and continued compliance and enables a short, medium and long term view on the financial sustainability of the HRA and any adjustments required.

Having a solid understanding of data on the condition of housing stock and plans to invest in and ensure homes meet the decent homes standard is an important regulatory requirement. The Council is in a robust position, evidenced by the recent regulatory inspection, and must continue to deliver on its plans and commitments.