The Recommendations were amended and agreed.

DECISION

1.    To note that officers will explore the voluntary buy-back of leasehold properties in the two blocks, under the existing budgeted borough-wide buy-back programme, with potential costs estimated at c.£9.6m.

2.    To agree to the introduction of two additional borough-wide leasehold service charge payment options as set out in sections 9.5 - 9.7 of the report.

3.    To defer agreement of the following three recommendations subject to further discussion – with final decisions to be taken by Individual Mayoral Decision if required:

a.    To agree that capital resources of £8,083,081 are made available within the five year HRA Capital Programme to fund the works (Option 1) and the services associated with delivering the works, and agree to adjust the five year programme accordingly.

b.    Agree to the award of the works contract to Wates in the sum of £6,276,605.50. Wates has been procured via the Council’s Better Neighbourhoods Works Framework.

c.    Agree to formally consult leaseholders and to recharge them for their portion of the cost of the works.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Interim Divisional Director, Housing and Regeneration (M. Baigent)