Issue - meetings

The report provides an update on progress towards delivering against the Council’s housing target of 5,000 new affordable homes over the five year period 2019-2024.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the contents of the report and progress to date on delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects to deliver 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

(2)    To note the demand forecasts and that the current programme would continue to reduce the demand for permanent Council homes.

(3)    To note and support approval of a capital investment of £135.1m to progress the delivery of the New Council Homes Programme as referred to in within the Financial Implications in sections 11.3 and 11.6 of the report.

(4)    To delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to award a construction contract in respect of the Watling Garden site for the reasons set out in in section 7.8 - 7.10 of the report.

Councillor Southwood (Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform) introduced the report providing a six monthly update on progress towards delivery of the Council’s housing target for new affordable homes over the five year period 2019-2024.

Members noted the updated housing demand analysis and forecasts, as detailed within section 6 of the report, along with the progress in delivery of the New Council Homes Programme, pipeline of developments and delivery of other large scale development schemes.  As a result of the ambitious nature of the programme Cabinet noted that by 31 March 2022 it was anticipated 660 new affordable rented homes would have been delivered with 332 homes also having been given planning consent and in the process of procuring a contractor (with associated risks recognised in terms of current construction costs) and a further 198 submitted for planning permission.  In addition, since the previous update Cabinet was advised of the award of a further allocation of £111m under the Greater London Authority (GLA) Affordable Housing Programme grant scheme for 2021-26.  This had been awarded following a successful bidding process with the objective of delivering an additional 701 homes in addition to the existing programme by 2028, with details on the initial key activity areas set out in section 5 of the report.  In considering the report, members were also advised of the way in which the approach towards the programme had been developed to ensure that it was not only delivering affordable homes but was also seeking to widen other sources of supply, including maximising use of existing stock.

In commending all teams involved in the design and development of the programme for the progress being made, members felt it was important to recognise the ambitious nature of future targets being set and the Council’s ongoing commitment towards meeting the housing needs and improving the quality of life for Brent’s residents through the provision of affordable, safe and secure high quality housing.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To note the contents of the report and progress to date on delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects to deliver 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

(2)     To note the demand forecasts and that the current programme would continue to reduce the demand for permanent Council homes.

(3)     To note and support approval of a capital investment of £135.1m to progress the delivery of the New Council Homes Programme as referred to in within the Financial Implications in sections 11.3 and 11.6 of the report.

(4)     To delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to award a construction contract in respect of the Watling Garden site for the reasons set out in in section 7.8 - 7.10 of the report.