Issue - meetings

The report attached sets out the planned approach to governance of Council owned companies. This report is also being considered at a meeting of Council on 14^th September 2017.

Andrew Pate, Strategic Director for Resources introduced the item and explained the roles that Council officers have.

Councillor Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, asked that it be recorded that on advising the Panel, he is doing so in two roles – one as a member of Cabinet and one as Chair of ADL.

Derek Quliter, Divisional Director Property and Project Management gave a presentation to the Panel on ‘Property Development Company Update’ which covered the following:

·  Establishment of a Local Property and Development Company

·  Purpose and Objectives

·  Purpose and Objectives

·  ADL Residential Portfolio

·  Properties Under Refurbishment

·  Riverside Development Programme

·  Riverside Development – Local need

·  Riverside Development Design Before and After

·  Station Road, Bath

·  Natural House Principles

·  Bath Quays South Residential Block, Bath

·  Englishcombe Lane, Bath

·  Finance Update

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions on the presentation:

Councillor Barrett asked about social housing, the officer explained that at Englishcombe Lane there is 40% affordable housing and he has had conversations with the housing department regarding the type of properties needed in the area. He explained that we are the developer, not a social landlord. The Strategic Director explained that if the Council wanted to raise the amount of affordable housing in a development, it would have to provide a subsidy.

Councillor Furse asked what happens to empty properties in the city centre. The officer explained that when properties are empty, a lease clause is triggered and Curo hand them back to the Council – ADL will then look at the options, it may be best to sell the property. Councillor Furse stated that he was concerned about the gentrification of the city centre and lowering of available social housing. The officer explained that it is more likely the case that these properties are sold to people who want to live and work in the city, they are not luxury apartments. Councillor Gerrish added that he has seen some of the empty properties and they are often not in a good state, he feels the Council is providing improved housing in the city with reasonable rentals to address a need.

Councillor O’Brien asked about the Riverside development in Keynsham and whether there will be affordable housing. The officer explained that there wouldn’t but there will be some reasonable rentals.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions on the report:

Councillor Barrett asked what role elected members will have. The Strategic Director explained that members would have a similar role as they do in usual Council business depending on whether they are part of the Cabinet or Scrutiny process. It is the intention that there will be an annual report to Council and there could also be reports to the Scrutiny Panel so members will be kept updated. Councillor Furse stated that members are elected because the public purse is involved which they are responsible for so there should be a high degree of scrutiny. The Strategic Director explained that many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31