Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Head of Finance and Investment.

The Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) presented the report on the First Homes Sales and Resales Policy.

Members were advised that the policy had been developed in line with Government guidance and had been drafted by the Housing Development team to primarily focus on the administrative processes involved.

The properties concerned were part of the affordable housing element of new developments.

Members raised the following points:

·         The need for clarity in respect of resale marketing, which officers advised that they would re-examine to ensure it was sufficiently clear.

·         To question if the delegation to a specific officer set out in the report would limit the operation of the policy. It was advised that officers did not believe that it would limit the operation of the policy.

·         That the policy related to general needs housing not specialist housing.

·         The commercial basis of the transactions as opposed to a housing need requirement. It was confirmed that there was no housing need requirement.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Finance and Investment.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Social Housing and Port Health

It was agreed:

(a)  That the use of the ‘First Homes’ Sales and Resales Policy be approved.

(b)  That the Head of Finance and Investment, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Social Housing and Port Health, be authorised to undertake any necessary minor amendments to the Policy prior to the formal review date.