RECOMMENDED that
1) the preferred options, as determined by Members, from those detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, Section 6.1 (Option A) and 6.2 (Option A) be approved;
Section 6.1 – Chiltern House (Option A)
· That the current older persons’ accommodation is returned to general let and that officer’s should meet with residents to discuss a sensitive approach to allocations.
· Any current tenants affected would be offered an appointment with a dedicated officer to discuss any concerns and all relevant options would be explored.
· If this option is approved Officers could give further consideration to converting the communal lounge into a disabled flat or into other rentable accommodation to increase revenue.
· That further consideration be given to converting the bedsit which is currently used as an office for the Home Support Officer into rentable accommodation to increase revenue.
Section 6.2 – Auxerre House (Option A)
· Opportunity for first time buyers under the Homebuy Scheme. HomeBuy enables social tenants, key workers and first time buyers to buy a share of a home and get a first step on the housing ladder.
2) up to £166,150.00 capital funding be approved for the essential improvement works recommended in Appendix 4 to the report;
3) up to £31,051.00 revenue funding be approved to fund the post of Older Persons’ Housing Liaison Officer as detailed in Appendix 16 to the report and paragraph 5.5 of the report; and
RESOLVED that
4) based on the findings of the Review of Redditch Borough Council’s Sheltered Housing, the categorisation of properties on page 11 in Appendix 2 to the report be adopted;
5) Officers undertake a feasibility study to consider the findings and options in Appendix 2, Section 6.3 to the report and bring a further report back to Councillors within 12 months of this report;
6) if approved, the above changes only be applied to new tenants from 1st April 2011 with all current residents keeping their tenancy, even if they do not meet the new criteria;
7) the revised Action Plan in Appendix 3 be adopted;
8) an additional member of staff be appointed for twelve months to facilitate the change management process (see Appendix 16); and
subject to the Council’s approval of the budgetary implications, as specified separately above, and consequent adjustment of the Capital Programme
9) approval be given to incur up to the expenditure detailed in 2) above for the purposes detailed in the report, in accordance with Standing Order 41; and
10) the proposals detailed above be agreed in principle but that the matter be deferred to 8th September 2010 Executive Committee to enable residents’ feedback on the specific proposals to be sought.
(The categorisation of properties on page 11 in Appendix 2 to the report is included as an appendix to this decision notice)