Agenda item

The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask them questions.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Homes & Planning addressed the Panel. He stated that he had nothing further to add to the document that had been circulated to the Panel, but would respond to the questions relating to Boat Dwellers from the previous meeting a little later on.

The Chairman asked how the Compulsory Purchase Orders for two empty properties would be funded and what were the next steps that needed to be taken.

The Head of Housing replied that the two neighbouring properties in Weston had been empty for 20 – 30 years. He said that funding was available through the Affordable Housing programme and seen as a capital asset from that budget. This would be the cost of the properties and any fees associated with the purchase.

He added that the intention would then be to dispose of the properties as soon as possible for the purchase price.

He explained that it was hoped that a Registered Provider (RP) would take it over and that one possibility was being pursued alongside funding from the HCA (Homes & Communities Agency). He added that it would be preferred to be let as Social Housing.

The Chairman asked if the properties were eligible for the New Homes Bonus (NHB).

The Head of Housing replied that they would be.

The Chairman asked if that would tip the balance in favour of the Council.

The Head of Housing replied that after accounting for the NHB the Council would have expended around £18,000 – £20,000 on fees associated with the purchase. He asked for the work to be seen in the wider context as if 4 further properties are brought back into use without any financial intervention from the Council the CPO process will become cost neutral.

The Chairman asked for further feedback on this matter later in the year.

The Head of Housing agreed to that proposal. He added that so far 150 properties had been brought back into use across the Council with each one generating the NHB of £6,000.

Councillor June Player if the Council planned to carry out any renovations on the two properties.

The Head of Housing replied that Council would not be doing any work on the properties after they are purchased.

The Chairman asked if enough resources were in place considering the 900 applications for additional licensing approval in respect of HMOs that had been received by the Council.

The Head of Housing replied that they had estimated that 750 – 1,500 applications would be made and so were as confident as they could be at this stage that enough resources were in place.

Councillor Tim Ball read out his responses to the questions raised regarding Boat Dwellers at the last meeting. This Q&A document can be found online as an appendix to these minutes and on the Panel’s Minute Book.

The Chairman asked if there was any intent to move any specific recommendation forward.

Councillor Ball replied that there was intent to do so, but that the timing of such work would depend on an allocation of resources.

The Chairman asked if any funds had been set aside within the budget.

Councillor Ball replied that he could not comment any further at this stage.

The Chairman asked that members be made aware of any resource allocation prior to the upcoming budget discussions.

Councillor Ben Stevens, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development addressed the Panel. He said he was pleased to see a large amount of activity within B&NES currently. He also wished to highlight some very positive partnership working with the Environment Agency on the Bath Flood Mitigation project.

He said that he had nothing further to add to the document that had been circulated to the Panel.

The Chairman thanked both of the Cabinet Members and associated officers for their updates.