Cabinet approved the submission of a bid of £940,000 as set out in the report to the GLA for the Homebuilding Capacity Fund

Councillor Damian White, Leader of the Council, introduced the report.

The report sought approval to enable the Council to submit a bid to obtain grant funding under the Greater London Authority (GLA) Homebuilding Capacity Fund. The scheme is to develop capacity, skills and expertise to develop new affordable housing. The approval to progress any or initiatives and commit Council funding will be sought separately in accordance with the Councils constitution. The deadline for bid submission being 25 January 2019.

Reasons for the decision:

The funding is revenue funding for additional staff for a period of 2 years. The additional staff will have the levels of skills and experience needed to deliver good quality affordable housing and enhanced place shaping. This will also build expertise and skills for a lasting improvement in delivery. The approval to progress schemes and commit Council funding will be sought separately in accordance with the Councils constitution.

Other options considered:

Not to Bid was rejected as a viable option as it would mean the Council would not be able to benefit from the programme to support the delivery of local housing priorities and regeneration activities.

Cabinet approved the submission of a bid of £940,000 as set out in the report to the GLA for the Homebuilding Capacity Fund.