Agenda item - Housing Purchase Policy

3a.1    Hillary Edgar presented the report highlighting the issues addressed by the report regarding the right to buy, BHCC properties put on the market, purchasing properties on the market, other opportunities and the criteria and budget including the next steps to be taken. She welcomed feedback from the panel.

3a.2    Councillor Anne Meadows stated that at a recent tenant rep meeting an enquiry was made regarding why BHCC can’t buy back a home. She clarified that this is a policy that sets out the ground rules to buying back homes. She further noted that had the policy been in place prior, BHCC would have been able to purchase between 15 to 17 properties of the last 2 years.

3a.3    Councillor Daniel Yates praised the scope of being able to buy properties up to the value of £250,000. He noted that plots of land with planning permission for housing development in Bevendean were a good idea.

3a.4    AGREED – that the report be noted.