Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed Jane Everton, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, to the meeting of the Board.

Nick Porter, Senior Adviser, introduced the report and highlighted that the Prime Minister’s announcement at the Conservative Party Conference that the HRA borrowing cap would be removed was a real victory for the LGA. He emphasised that this had been an LGA priority and focus of sustained lobbying since it was introduced in 2012. He also raised that there was a lot of work across the sector to demonstrate what lifting the HRA borrowing cap will mean and that it was anticipated that more details would be presented as part of the Chancellor’s Budget.

Jane Everton, gave a presentation on the Social Housing Green Paper. In particular she emphasised the role the Grenfell tragedy played in developing the Social Housing Green Paper and the need to acknowledge there are many further issues that need to be addressed coming out this. She also highlighted that 14 events were held across the country, where Ministers engaged with a range of residents including social housing tenants, with the aim of informing the Social Housing Green Paper. She also explained the Social Housing Green Paper would be in four chapters, of which the first three focus on experience including recommendations from the Hackett Review. The fourth chapter was focused on the stigma around social housing.

In the discussion, the following points were raised;

·         Following a query on whether there will be a review of decent home standards, Jane emphasised that whether decent home standards should be changed will be considered once they receive further information following the green paper.

·         A concern was raised that central government needs to consider a national standard on what a housing unit looks like.

·         Jane encouraged Members continue to give evidence with their consultation responses.

·         In response to a query, Jane confirmed there was not yet a date for the spending review.

·         In response to concerns raised about stigma, Jane emphasised the best course of action we can take is to continue to talk positively about social housing. Jane also highlighted that this has been acknowledged by government.

The Chairman gave thanks to Jane Everton for her presentation and invited Members to discuss the confidential draft LGA responses to the Social Housing Green Paper and Right to Buy consultations.

In the discussion that followed, the following points were raised:

·         Views were expressed that the lifting of the HRA borrowing cap was a positive direction of travel.

·         A view was expressed that really increasing the Social Housing supply would be crucial going forwards.

·         The Chairman congratulated officers for their work, and emphasised the importance of local authorities getting back into the market and meeting the demand now the HRA borrowing cap has been lifted. 

·         The importance of homes being fully insulated was also raised.

·         A view was expressed that the stigma on social housing was in part caused by under supply of social housing stock.

Decision

The Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board;

·         provided direction and comments to incorporate into the submission on the Social Housing Green Paper; and

·         agreed the consultation response on Right To Buy.

Action

Officers to incorporate Members comments into the submission on the Social Housing Green Paper.

Officers to submit consultation response on Right To Buy – as agreed by Members.