Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Members are invited to disclose any interests in any of the items on the agenda at this point of the meeting. Members may still disclose an interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

There were no declarations of interest.

Cabinet:

Agreed the minutes as a true and correct record of the meeting held on 7^th July, 2021 and authorised the Chair to sign them as such.

The minutes were agreed as a true and correct record of the meeting held on 7^th July, 2021 and authorised the Chair to sign them as such.

Cabinet:

1.     Approved the Housing Allocation Scheme attached in appendix 1 of the report.

Cabinet considered a report on the Housing Allocations Policy 2021.

It was explained that the Housing Act 1996 Part VI required local authorities to publish an allocation scheme that set out there policy for allocating affordable housing provided by the council or housing associations in the borough. Councils were required  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the financial context and position set out in the report

2.     Agreed the proposed consultation process and associated timetable as set out in section 6 of the report.

Cabinet considered an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and budget for 2022/23.

It was explained that Cabinet and full Council last received a report on the Council’s Strategy (MTFS) in March 2021 when the MTFS and balanced budget for 2021/22 was agreed. Since then the lockdown had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The report included in agenda item 8 contains exempt documents, namely Appendix A.  Cabinet will consider whether the public and press should  be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972; and, if it is decided to exclude the public and press on those grounds, Discussion of public papers can be transacted in public. Cabinet to resolve accordingly on the motion of the Chairman in relation to discuss on exempt matters.

Cabinet agreed to exclude the public and the press at this stage.

Cabinet agreed to exclude the public and the press at this stage.

For the reasons set out in this report and its appendices Cabinet agreed that the Council:

1.    Acting as Shareholder to MLH, approve the Company Business Case with heads of terms attached at exempt Appendix 1 of the report.

2.    Enters into a service contract with MLH for the acquisition of assets to house homeless families delegated to the Director of Housing in consultation with Lead Cabinet Member for Housing.

3.    Enters into loan agreements at market rate with the Company of up to £62,319,000 including delegating to the Chief Finance Officer, the ability to authorise drawdowns, refinance against the loan facility and approve the terms in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance. This is to be in place throughout the duration of the loan in line with the agreement including ensuring appropriate secure charges are registered to protect the Council’s interest as lender against each asset purchased.

4.    Enters into agreements with MLH whereby the Council HRA provide the relevant support services associated with the management of the assets delegated to the Director of Housing in consultation with Lead Cabinet member for housing.

Cabinet considered a report on Private Housing Investment for Settled Homes Proposal (RHISH).

It was explained that the Council intended to increase its mixed portfolio of accommodation options in the borough in order to prevent homelessness. The Councils wholly owned company, Mercury Land Holdings limited (“MLH”/the “Company”) had the means  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Cabinet:

1.    Adopted the Housing Asset Management Strategy and the associated action plan as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Cabinet considered a report on the Housing Asset Management Strategy.

It was explained that Havering Council owned and managed circa 11,200 properties (9,200 tenanted and 2,000 leasehold), including 10 tower blocks and around 1,000 medium and low rise blocks.

The high level objectives for the housing assets should be to:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.