Issue - meetings

This report sets out the Housing Asset Management Strategy (AMS) 2020 – 2025 which details the vision for responsive repairs, investment, reform and improvement of the stock and its performance and provides a summary of the work that has been undertaken and which is being further developed, to inform the delivery action plan.  In addition, the report includes the Housing Capital budget requirements and affordable options for the delivery of the Housing Asset Management Strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED to note the proposed Capital Budget spend for delivery of the Asset Management Strategy.

Councillor Knight (Cabinet member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) introduced a report presenting the Housing Asset Management Strategy (AMS) 2020-2025.  The Strategy detailed the vision for responsive repairs, investment, reform and improvement of the Council’s housing stock and its performance and provided a summary of works undertaken and being developed, in order to inform the Delivery Action Plan.  In addition, members were advised that the report set out the Housing Capital budget requirements and affordable options for delivery of the AMS over a 5-year budget period.

In considering the programme Cabinet noted the range of tasks and commitments within the AMS Delivery Plan required to ensure the Council was able to optimise use of its housing and property assets in order to maximise their contribution in meeting the needs and expectations of residents and also to align with strategic Council priorities shaped within the context of the 30-year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and need to prioritise the investment of funds.

Whilst recognising the significant financial pressures on the Council and specifically on the HRA as a result of the recently introduced rent increase cap, members welcomed the focus provided within the AMS on the prioritisation of funds for investment and management of assets to ensure that the Council’s housing stock was efficiently and effectively maintained to ensure its long-term viability and value for money.  Despite the challenging financial position members noted that the AMS had been closely aligned to take account of the current budget availability assumed within the HRA Business Plan.

Whilst noting the financial challenges identified and need to carefully manage investment priorities as a result, members felt the Strategy and commitments around which the Delivery Plan had been based demonstrated the Council’s ambition and commitment towards delivering the investment required to maximise the benefits and use of the Council’s housing stock in order to provide safe and well maintained homes.

As a result, Cabinet RESOLVED to note the proposed Capital Budget spend for delivery of the Asset Management Strategy.