Issue - items at meetings - Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2010 - 2013

Report of Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached).

68.1    The Committee considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and the Director of Finance & Resources that sought approval for the 2010/11 capital programme and provided a provisional capital programme for the following two years, 2011/12 & 2012/13, for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report took into consideration the latest resources available and investment priorities.

68.2    The council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) related to the council’s landlord duties in respect of approximately 12,300 properties and 2,230 leasehold properties.

68.3    Stewart Gover stated that he had not been aware that the council were funding the use of the Super Centre for the use of Mears Limited.   He referred to the Estate Development Budget and stated that £88,000 worth of EDB work had not been carried out.  He asked why tenants in the north area had been given new doors or kitchens, while EDB money had not been used for redecoration. Chris Kift expressed similar concerns about the EDB.

68.4    The Chairman explained that the Super Centre would be used for a number of purposes, including a training academy for trade apprentices.  Mears Limited would be based there.  Planning permission was being sought for change of use.    The Chairman agreed that there were general concerns about the EDB and these needed to be investigated before the next round of area panels.

68.5    The Assistant Director, Housing Management stated that changes and improvements needed to be made with the EDB.  Officers would work closely with Mears to obtain best value.  There would be an improved programme next year.

68.6    Ted Harman mentioned that there had been a three year EDB backlog.  He asked if Mears would guarantee to do the work when they took over.  The Chairman stated that it would be helpful for officers to look at the last three years of EDB work and see what work had been carried out and what work was yet to be completed. 

68.7    Beverley Weaver asked when there would be a local office for the West area.  The Chairman replied that once the Super Centre was up and running, there would be discussions with tenants about a local base for the West area.

68.8    Councillor Mears informed the Committee that the executive summary relating to the Mears contract would soon be available.  This explained the contract and highlighted tenant’s concerns.  

68.9    RESOLVED - That Cabinet be recommended to approve the capital programme budget of £23.975 million and financing for 2010/11 as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report.