Issue - meetings

Councillor Cowan welcomed the Chair of the Residents’ Commission, RT. Hon Keith Hill and the Commission’s members, residents and officers to the meeting.  He asked Councillor Lisa Homan, the Cabinet Member for Housing, to introduce the report.

Councillor Homan stated that the Administration’s Manifesto commitment was to protect council house residents’ homes from demolition and improving services.  The Administration had promised to take immediate measures to protect council homes now and in the future and work with council housing residents to give them ownership of the land their homes are on.  The setting up of the Commission was the 1^st step on this journey.  The 2^nd step was to agree the Cabinet report before the committee.  The approval will alleviate the fear of home sale by politicians and find a way of resolving the previous administration’s ruthless policy of selling off houses.  Residents will become architects of their own destiny. 

Since the Commission had embarked upon its work, the national scene had changed with councils being in a worst position to deliver new and maintain its current housing stock. That would not discourage the Administration from progressing this land breaking vision.  She thanked, on behalf of the Cabinet, the members of the Residents’ Commission and the officers who had supported the process.  She also noted that another piece of work “Improving Housing Services” which was produced by the Commission will be considered later in the meeting.

The Chair, RT. Hon Keith Hill, stated that in line with the administration’s commitment to work with council housing residents to give them ownership of the land their homes are on, the commission was set up.  He highlighted the following key issues:

·               The bold and radical nature of the recommendations to proceed with a stock transfer,

·               Setting up a resident owned and run independent housing association,

·               Changes in central government policy since the commission commenced its work,

·               Changing the ownership structure was the only way of maintaining the  level of investment in council housing stock,

·               A comprehensive stock appraisal report was produced as part of the work,

·               The Commission undertook its deliberations in the full glare of publicity and reported back within a record 6 months.

He thanked the Commissioners for their commitment and dedication to the Commission’s work.

Lorna Wynter (Vice Chair) noted that there were robust processes in place which looked thoroughly at all the options affecting both tenants and leaseholders.  She acknowledged the support of the housing officers and independent professionals who assisted them to look at the housing options, financial appraisals and the best possible options available.  All the members had endorsed the report’s recommendations.

On a personal note, John Ghazi Quick (Vice Chair), found the whole process like going through University with the commissioners as tutors who had lived and breathed housing.  It was immensely intense but a beneficial journey.  It was a rewarding opportunity to sit on the commission. He noted that the interview process was rigorous. The report he said was detailed covering every possible  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102