Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Note the delivery of the 2023/24 HRA Works to Stock Programme set out in the report which has provided essential upgrades to the Council’s housing stock, along with higher energy efficiency standards, whilst improving the quality of life of tenants.

2)    Agree the HRA Works to Stock Programme for the 2024/25 financial year, as set out in the report.

3)    Delegate to the Director of Operational Assets, the authority to:

a)    Utilise existing internal or external framework agreements or develop new LBH framework agreements for Cabinet approval, to enable the effective delivery of appropriate works, tenders and contracts.

b)   Approve project specific works completed using an approved LBH Framework or Term contract.

c)    Release capital funds for the specific works, as set out in the programme and strictly within approved budgets;

d)   Agree minor variations to specific projects within the programme, subject to agreement from the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport;

e)    Make any other operational decisions required to implement the works agreed by the Cabinet.

4)    Agree that relevant portfolio Cabinet Members receive quarterly summary updates, on progress delivering the programme providing capital releases and also capital spend to-date for monitoring purposes. Furthermore, any contracts entered into by the Director, via framework agreement, exceeding £500k be reported to Cabinet for information as part of the budget monitoring report.

5)    Agree, that any variations to the overall programme or approved programme budget be reported to Cabinet for approval in the first instance.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the programme of works to the housing stock for 2024/25 and provided delegated authority to officers for the efficient delivery of the works.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services discussed the substantial expenditure associated with the capital programme and the Green Homes Initiative. He highlighted the decarbonisation work done over the last year, which had included cavity wall installations and window replacements for 158 properties, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced energy bills. The Cabinet Member also mentioned the replacement of 566 kitchens and 575 bathrooms, window replacements, roofing works and fire safety improvements. For the 24/25 financial year programme, the Cabinet Member outlined plans for more roofing works, window replacements, bathroom renovations and boiler replacements. He also mentioned the submission of further applications to the social housing decarbonisation fund.

The Leader of the Council expressed satisfaction with the prioritisation of works and was pleased that the expenditure profile reflected this. He also welcomed the simplification of the administration of works to expedite delivery.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to amend the specific works programme as set out in the report.