Agenda item - Draft Asset Management Strategy

33.1    John Currell, Property & Investment Team, presented the report which covered 115000 dwellings and other asset land held within the HRA. He noted ageing stock at around 2500 built before 1945 presented issues with management and repair. He clarified the risks that the Housing Revenue Budget is facing such as reform. He also noted that a number of resident consultation meetings have taken place; a prominent view from residents was the request to see investment in existing homes including new stock.

33.2    Alan Cooke enquired if the Council is only looking to make 500 over the next 30 years.

33.3    John Currell confirmed that this is correct; he noted that it is set at corporate level.

33.4    Alan Cooke referred to page 22 and enquired if the Property and Investment Team were considering rebuilding estate during this final period.

33.5    John Currell stated that BHCC are looking at an income and expenditure business plan, this allows the viewing of parts of stock or estate and to determine what is negative. He noted by way of example that once a financial loss was identified then consultation with that area on a future vision would be possible, however as such no areas are currently earmarked for anything at the moment.

33.6    Alan Cooke requested further clarification on leasehold buy backs.

33.7    John Currell stated at the moment there is an opportunity to buy back leasehold housing during lease however they do not exercise that right, because of this another review is being requested to determine if policy should be changed or not.

33.8    Grant Scott enquired if Central Government has a large pot of money to renovate areas of deprivation.

33.9    John Currell stated that there is a fund of £250 million for further studies in those areas however has no further news on that currently.

33.10  Janet Gearing enquired if leaseholders have to pay maintenance and contribute towards the work.

33.11  John Currell clarified that the legal process dictates that residents will receive notice of the cost and that they will also pay service charges.

33.12  Janet Gearing enquired if leaseholders will have to pay towards works done via EDB money.

33.13  Ododo stated that caveats exist as this will be something they don’t have to contribute to. She noted that it may be possible that leaseholders may not necessarily be charged on it and that there are exceptions.

33.14  RESOLVED – That the report be noted.