Issue - items at meetings - HRA Capital Programme 2013-16

Report of the Strategic Director, Place

37.1 The Housing Management Consultative Sub Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director Place, on the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2013-2016

37.2    Councillor Farrow suggested that more money be put into loft conversions; it was a good way to provide an additional bedroom which could enable an adult child to remain in the family home.

37.3    Councillor Mears noted that at the last HMCSC meeting reference was made to a report which had gone to an earlier Policy & Resources Committee concerning cladding, and was told that a briefing note would be provided for HMCSC members but none had been provided. Officers said that a briefing note had been distributed, but it would be resent. Councillor Mears asked for clarity on the replacement of doors, as some tenants had advised her that they had had new door/s fitted when new ones weren’t required. Officers said doors and handles were replaced when necessary but not otherwise, and asked her to provide details of who had had new ones fitted. Councillor Mears said she would abstain from voting on the recommendation as the report had been received late and councillors had not received a briefing.

37.4    Councillor Robins referred to the issue of loft conversion and suggested that the level of insulation would be lower as there had to be a certain height between floor and ceiling. Officers advised that any insulation would be put in the eaves, and that the thickness would be around 150mm which was less than the thickness which would be used if a loft were not being converted.

37.5    Councillor Farrow said that he was not happy with the report and felt that it wasn’t good enough for tenants, and suggested that a summit be held to discuss how things could be moved forward. Officers advised that the matter had been discussed at Area Panels and at City Assembly. Councillor Farrow was unhappy that there had been insufficient time to fully consider the report, and said that he would therefore not be voting for the proposed recommendation.

37.6 RESOLVED That the Housing Management Consultative Sub Committee declined to agree with the recommendation that the report be noted.