Decision details

The Housing Manager submitted a report recommending for approval and implementation the proposed Supported Housing Capital Investment Strategy, 2016 -2021.

The proposed Supported Housing Capital Investment Strategy, 2016-2021 had been written in order to address a series of challenges faced by the the council as a provider of supported housing, including the low demand for properties and the subsequent impact of this situation on the long term viability of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan. The proposed strategy included a range of actions including;

·        Internal and external refurbishment of some schemes

·        Closure and demolition where appropriate

·        Introduction of local lettings policies for supported accommodation

·        Introduction of a marketing strategy specifically for supported accommodation

·        An incentive scheme for people to ‘downsize’ and / or release general needs accommodation.

The report also sought Cabinet approval for the closure and demolition of Duewell Court at Barrow Hill. The report noted that due to the condition of the properties, the presence of asbestos and the subsequent difficulty of carrying out essential maintenance and fire safety work with the properties occupied by tenants; that the most cost effective solution and also the one best for the remaining residents would be to close and demolish Duewell Court. The remaining tenants would be offered the opportunity to transfer to alternative properties anywhere within the Borough, and would also be eligible for home loss and disturbance payments.

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the Supported Housing Capital Investment Strategy 2016 – 2021 be adopted and implemented.

2.   That Duewell Court, Barrow Hill be closed and demolished, and that the Housing Manager be delegated authority to tender for, and appoint a demolition contractor.

3.   That the Housing Manager be delegated authority to make offers of equivalent accommodation to the affected tenants of Duewell Court.

4.   That the Housing Manager be delegated authority to make Home-loss Payments in line with statutory amounts and a disturbance payment to the displaced tenants of Duewell Court.

5.   That a further report be brought to Cabinet following an appraisal of Aston Court and Mallard Court at Staveley and of Markham Court at Duckmanton.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To meet the Councils priority ‘to improve the quality of life for local people’ and objective 5 ‘To increase the supply and quality of housing in Chesterfield Borough to meet current and future needs.