Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Note the delivery of the 2024/25 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 2025/26 financial year, as set out in the report.

3)    Delegate to the Corporate Director of Place, 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 Corporate Services & Property.

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 and, furthermore, that any contracts entered into by the Director via framework agreement exceeding £750k 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

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report on the Forward Housing Investment Programme, highlighting various works and projects, including roofing programmes, window replacements, new kitchens and bathrooms, installation of 1900 new boilers, passenger lift upgrades, door entry and access controls, electrical upgrades, and fire door sets. The programme aimed to improve the estate and the lives of residents, particularly through better insulation, reduction of draughts and damp, and more efficient boilers to save residents money.

The Leader of the Council remarked that it was pleasing for the Council to implement this programme of works alongside a substantial investment in property acquisition. The Leader noted that whilst many social housing providers were limited to either improving existing properties or acquiring new ones, Hillingdon Council was able to do both.

Cabinet, therefore, agreed the significant investment planned for the Council’s housing stock over the coming year and noted what had been achieved over the last year. Cabinet also provided the necessary authority for efficient decision-making in this service area.

Alternative options considered and rejected.

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