Issue - items at meetings - Leaseholder Payment Options - update

RESOLVED:

2.1      That Housing Committee approve extension of payment options for non-resident leaseholders as set out in the report for whom this is the only property they own where it has been demonstrated that all other options to meet the cost of the works have failed.

41.1    The Assistant Director of Housing introduced the report to the committee.

          Answers to Committee Member Questions

41.2    Councillor Fowler raised questions relating to costs to tenants and was informed that the costs are being looked at and will be agreed with the residents, following more information on the cost to each home. It was noted that the council need to keep properties in good condition and materials are costing more. The councillor expressed concerns relating to the replacement of the roof at Mimosa Court and was informed that the roof was being investigated.

41.3    Councillor Mears expressed concerns relating to leaseholders who don’t live in properties and using the HRA was an issue, and they did not support the report.

41.4    Councillor Hugh-Jones stated that the aim of the report was to help leaseholders who are in genuine hardship. Leaseholders who do not live in the property may have moved to find work and rent at a below market rent to friends or family. Leaseholders will be supported on a case by case basis.

41.5    Councillor Meadows stated that the HRA is tenant’s money and sub-letting is defrauding and they did not support the report.

41.6    Councillor Williams raised questions relating to selling properties whilst undergoing repair works, costs and lease extensions and was informed that the council has purchased 256 properties, the costs will be modelled to project total sum and the extension of leases is not covered by this report.

41.7    Councillor Gibson commented that loans, equity shares etc are not subsidised by the HRA and the offer is to extend residential leaseholders who have moved out.

41.8    Councillor Meadows considered that this was not accurate and the HRA is not a loan.

41.9    Councillor Gibson did not consider this to be the same.

          Vote

41.10  A recorded vote was taken, and councillors Hugh-Jones, Hills, Williams, Fowler, Philips, Platts and Gibson voted for the recommendations and councillors Mears, Meadows and Barnett voted against.

RESOLVED:

2.1      That Housing Committee approve extension of payment options for non-resident leaseholders as set out in the report for whom this is the only property they own where it has been demonstrated that all other options to meet the cost of the works have failed.