Decision - Sheltered housing stock review

(1)      That it be agreed in principal to convert up to 235 studios into one bedroom flats, wherever possible, subject to the required budget approvals, at the same time meeting the Lifetime Homes standard as far as possible. This proposal is included in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment programme2015-2018 proposals also presented to this Committee.

(2)      That the principle of de-commissioning (closing) a small number of sheltered schemes which cannot be made fit for purpose be agreed, re-designating them for alternative clients groups, or agreeing to redevelop the sites (subject to 2.3).

(3)      That it is noted that business case reports will be brought to Housing Committee on a case by case basis, where recommendations will be made on specific schemes which should be de-commissioned.  Each report will include plans for tenant consultation and for the sensitive rehousing of tenants, requesting Housing committee’s agreement for officers to consult the affected tenants. The results of the consultation will be fed back to a subsequent housing committee for a decision on the future of the scheme.

(4)      That it be noted that a 10 year cyclical programme for upgrading internal communal and external decoration will be created from 2015/16.

(5)    That it is noted that a budget to address access issues in communal areas (e.g. ramps and stair lifts) is created.