Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

In accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman agreed to consider the report as an item of urgent business to inform the 2009/10 Capital Programme at an early stage.

The Corporate Director (Regeneration) submitted a report seeking approval for the allocation of the Regional Housing Pot (RHP) funding between the West End Master Plan, Poulton Renewal Area and Disabled Facilities Grants.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The Private Sector Housing Capital Programme is a key delivery agent for the Council’s Housing Strategy.  This in turn reflects the Council’s strategic priorities set out in the LDF and Sustainable Community Strategy, both of which are consistent with regional priorities.  It is of increasing importance that implementation and funding reflects and is consistent with strategy.  This in turn will increase the chances of attracting external funding and development partners in the future.  Furthermore, high level risk considerations have already been reflected in the development such strategy.

This essentially limits the options available to those shown below.  In essence, these centre around whether remaining funds should be used to help fund West End priorities, or to provide a greater level of resources towards Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).

Members should note that DFGs are mandatory and are made available to all qualifying residents throughout the district.  They provide facilities for access to dwellings, whilst making them safe, and also include the provision of suitable kitchen, bathroom and bedroom facilities.  Demand always outstrips supply and the Council is called upon to manage the budget accordingly.

Assuming allocations in the next two years are similar to this year’s, the following funding proposals are to be considered:

Option 1

Option 2

The Officer preferred option is Option 2.  This is consistent with the Council’s strategies and priorities and provides a rational way for determining priorities for investment.  It also reflects the June Cabinet decision.  It continues to support the West End Master Plan, Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and the successful completion of the Poulton Renewal Area.

It was moved by Councillor Kerr and seconded by Councillor Archer:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

By way of amendment, Councillor Barry proposed and Councillor Fletcher seconded:-

“That a report on whether DFG expenditure is adequate for 2010/11 and 2011/12 be requested, and whether further money from the Private Sector Housing Capital Programme might be allocated for this purpose in future years.”

3 Members (Councillors Barry, Bryning and Fletcher) voted in favour of the amendment and 6 Members (Councillors Archer, Blamire, Kerr, Langhorn, Mace and Thomas) voted against.  The Chairman declared the amendment lost.

Members then voted on the original proposition:-

Resolved:

(7 Members (Councillors Archer, Blamire, Fletcher, Kerr, Langhorn, Mace and Thomas) voted in favour, 1 Member (Councillor Barry) voted against and 1 Member (Councillor Bryning) abstained)

(1)        That Cabinet approve Option 2 regarding the allocation of Private Sector Housing Capital Programme

(2)        The Capital Programme to be updated to include:

·                     £436,000 to finance Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)

·                     £130,000 to be set aside for West End Public Realm

·                     £40,000 to be allocated to complete Poulton Public Realm

·                     £95,000 to be allocated to Marlborough Road

·                     £593,000 for remodelling, acquisition, disposal and masterplan for Bold Street, West End

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Corporate Director (Regeneration)

Head of Planning Services

Head of Financial Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The allocation of capital funding from the Regional Housing Pot will support the Council’s statutory responsibility for Disabled Facilities Grants and its corporate priorities to support the West End Masterplan and complete its work in the Poulton Renewal Area.