Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the outcomes from wide ranging engagement of key housing stakeholders in Gateshead throughout the summer, including the formal consultation of tenants and leaseholders on the future management and maintenance of the Council’s housing stock and to the proposed:

a)     re-integration of housing management and maintenance services back into the Council;

b)     new vision and operating model for the delivery of its housing, maintenance and neighbourhood management services moving forward; and

c)     timetable, key next steps and plan for implementation of the new housing delivery model.

The alternative options to those recommended, but which were discounted, included retaining the current arm’s length management organisation model of delivery through The Gateshead Housing Company; entering into a partnership arrangement with another external organisation or transferring the housing stock to an external organisation; not implementing the vision or proposed operating model as set out in the report.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the outcomes from the formal consultation of tenants and leaseholders on the future management and maintenance of Council homes be noted.

(ii)

That the outcomes from the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders on a new vision for housing in Gateshead be noted.

(iii)

That several challenges (as well as opportunities) facing ‘housing’ over the next 3 years, including the need to have a viable 30-year HRA business plan, are acknowledged.

(iv)

That the potential for the review of housing functions, and the implementation of a new operating model to ensure delivery of a new vision for housing in Gateshead, to act as a catalyst for wider change across the Council is noted.

(v)

That the re-integration of the management and maintenance of its housing stock, back into the Council be approved.

(vi)

That a new vision for housing in Gateshead and the development and implementation of a new operating model for its housing, maintenance and neighbourhood management functions that will enable delivery of the vision as set out in the report be approved.

(vii)

That the proposed implementation timetable for the new delivery model together with the suggested milestones for the development and implementation of new housing governance and customer involvement arrangements be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the Council’s housing stock is managed and maintained in the interests of the Council, and its tenants and leaseholders, as effectively and efficiently as possible.

(B)

To deliver a new vision for all the Council’s housing functions and to meet the aspirations and ambitions of a range of stakeholders and partners.

(C)

To support the delivery of the Council’s overarching ambition of Making Gateshead a Place Where Everyone Thrives.