Officer Decisions

Officers exercise delegated decision making powers in respect of both non-executive and executive functions of the Council.

The present Scheme of Delegation from the Leader of the Council, which sets out how executive functions will be discharged, provides for delegated decision making by officers. Appendix 9 of the Constitution sets out the non-executive functions delegated to officers. All executive functions, other than those reserved by Cabinet, may be discharged by officers.

The Chief Executive and Strategic Directors of the Council have established their own sub-schemes of delegation detailing which and how both non-executive and executive functions will be discharged on behalf of the authority.

Decision records for the discharge of functions by officers are published below. These decision records set out the following information:-

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by Council officers.

Officer Decisions

17/06/2024 - UK Shared Prosperity Fund, approval of Active Lives Project ref: 1720    Recommendations Approved

Agree revised project allocations to enable timely and effective delivery of Rotherham’s UKSPF programme.

Decision Maker: Assistant Chief Executive

Decision published: 07/10/2024

Effective from: 17/06/2024

Decision:

 

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

1st October 2024

Title:

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), revised project allocations

Decision Maker:

 

Jo Brown, Assistant Chief Executive

 

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Minute (43) of the Cabinet decision on UKSPF of 7th August 2023 delegates authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to determine revised and final allocations for the UKSPF. This is to include provision for other eligible actions within the use of the fund should it not be possible to achieve full spend of the grant through the allocations set out in the Cabinet report.

Decision:

Resolve to:

 

Agree the following changes to UKSPF project allocations:

 

1.     Reallocate £80,000 capital from the Active Lives project to the Visitor and Leisure Economy project. This will support the improvements at Rother Valley and Thrybergh country parks.

 

2.     Reallocate £126,866 from the Low Carbon project to the Productivity project, enabling more effective use of funding to meet identified demand for business grants.

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision will help to ensure that UKSPF is fully utilised in Rotherham given that the funding must be spent by the end of March 2025 and to meet the level of demand seen for this investment across different strands of the programme.

 

Funding is being reallocated from the Active Lives project, which has experienced significant delays in securing other external funding required to bring the schemes forward, to country park improvements that have been approved and works are now underway.

 

Funding is being reallocated from a project – Low Carbon - that has committed just over half of its available business grants, to a project – Productivity - that is almost fully committed and has further business demand for grants.

 

The reallocations are consistent with the approach and objectives set out in the 7th August Cabinet report.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Alternatives have not been provided. These changes will help to ensure that UKSPF funding is maximised and projects are delivered within the required timescales.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

There are no conflicts of interest.

 

 

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None.

Reports or parts of reports considered

UK Shared Prosperity Fund - years two and three, report to Cabinet, August 7th 2023

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to ….

 

Agree the following changes to UKSPF project allocations:

 

1.     Reallocate £80,000 capital from the Active Lives project to the Visitor and Leisure Economy project. This will support the improvements at Rother Valley and Thrybergh country parks.

 

2.     Reallocate £126,866 from the Low Carbon project to the Productivity project, enabling more effective use of funding to meet identified demand for business grants.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:          1st October 2024

Name:          Jo Brown                

Job Title:    Assistant Chief Executive

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Jo Brown


18/06/2024 - Revision to District Heating pricing for 2024-25 ref: 1728    Recommendations Approved

Revise the unit price charged for District heating from 1 July 2024.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 20/06/2024

Effective from: 18/06/2024

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

18 June 2024

Title:

Revision to District Heating Pricing for 2024-25

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

James Clark, Assistant Director of Housing

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Council agreed on 28 February 2024 (minute number 104 - Resolved (8)) that the decision to reduce the price of District Heating Charges further during 2024-25, be delegated to the Assistant Director of Housing in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Financial Services following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing. The delegation would only be used to respond to a change in Government policy or a significant change in the Ofgem price cap that has the effect of necessitating a lower unit price.

 

Decision:

Revise the unit price charged for District heating from 1 July 2024 to 12 pence per kwh.

 

Note that further reductions may be necessary if the Ofgem price cap for subsequent quarters matches energy market forecasts.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

There will be a 7% reduction in the Ofgem price cap from 1 July 2024 and energy market forecasts predict further reductions in the cost of energy until December 2024. The Council has committed to ensuring that the average bill for residents on District heating match’s the average bill of a resident with gas and benefiting from the Ofgem price cap.

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

One alternative pricing options have been considered to achieve full cost recovery. This would have meant a charge of 14.99 pence per kwh. This was rejected as it meant the cost of an average District heating bill would be higher than the average bill under the Ofgem price cap.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

N/a

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/a

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director of Adult care, Housing and Public Health, Ian Spicer – HRA Business Plan, Rent Setting and Service Charges 2024-25

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to revise the unit price charged for District heating from 1 July 2024 to 12 pence per kwh.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

Dated: 18 June 2024        

 

Name: James Clark                    

Job Title: Assistant Director of Housing

Wards affected: Anston & Woodsetts; Aston & Todwick; Aughton & Swallownest; Boston Castle; Bramley & Ravenfield; Brinsworth; Dalton & Thrybergh; Greasbrough; Hellaby & Maltby West; Hoober; Keppel; Kilnhurst & Swinton East; Maltby East; Rotherham West; Thurcroft & Wickersley South; Wickersley North;

Lead officer: Paul Elliott


21/05/2024 - Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) and a review of the Temporary Accommodation Portfolio ref: 1726    Recommendations Approved

Agreement to increase the Council’s temporary accommodation portfolio by 16 homes.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 20/06/2024

Effective from: 21/05/2024

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

21 May 2024

 

Title:

Review of Temporary Accommodation Portfolio

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Ian Spicer, Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Under Section 4c3: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health – Delegated Executive Functions.

 

The Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health is authorised1 to discharge executive functions2 through the commissioning and provision of social services for adults and public health services for the whole population and delivery of housing for the Borough, including:-

 

2. Housing (d) Housing Options

 

Decision:

To approve an increase in the current temporary accommodation portfolio by 16 units.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

Section 206(1) Housing Act 1996 provides that where a housing authority discharges its duty to secure that accommodation is available for a homeless applicant, that accommodation must be suitable. Chapter 17.2 Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities confirms the requirement to provide suitable accommodation applies in respect of all powers and duties to secure accommodation under Part 7, including interim duties

The purpose of this Officer Decision is to agree to increase the provision of temporary accommodation so that there is sufficient temporary accommodation to discharge its homelessness statutory duty

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

None

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

 

Reports or parts of reports considered

Officer Decision Report for a Review of the Temporary Accommodation Portfolio

 

Approved by Ian Spicer, Strategic Director of Adults, Housing and Public Health.

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to review the portfolio and increase the provision of temporary accommodation by 16 units.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

Dated:          11/06/2024

 

Name: Ian Spicer  

                              

Job Title:    Strategic Director of Adults, Housing & Public Health

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Phillip Hamilton


15/05/2024 - Doncaster Gate Substation, Rotherham ref: 1724    Recommendations Approved

Northern PowerGrid is the tenant of Doncaster Gate substation. The District Valuer has been instructed to do a valuation and approval is sought to dispose of the asset to Northern PowerGrid.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 20/06/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

15/05/2024

 

Title:

Doncaster Gate Substation, Rotherham

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Decision taken under the powers granted to the property officer under section 29.12 of the Council’s Financial Procurement Procedure Rules.

 

Paragraph 29.12.1 states where the estimated disposal value is less than £100,000 the Property

Officer, having taken financial and legal advice, may arrange for the disposal of land or property.

 

Decision:

That the Property Officer approves the disposal by agreement of the land identified at Doncaster Gate, in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

Northern PowerGrid is the tenant of Doncaster Gate substation. The District Valuer has completed a valuation and approval is sought to dispose of the asset to Northern PowerGrid at the valuation of £25,500

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Option 1 (Preferred Option) - That the sale is agreed so that Northern PowerGrid can purchase the substation at £25,500, which has been determined independently by the District Valuer

Option 2 – That the sale is not agreed – We sell on open market via auction. The sale would have to be subject to the existing lease to Northern PowerGrid.

Option 3 - Do Nothing - Northern PowerGrid remain paying rent of £672 per annum to the council, and we do not receive a capital receipt

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not Applicable

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to ….

 

That the Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport approves and negotiates the disposal by agreement of the land identified at Doncaster Gate, in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy.

 

A signature on a white background Description automatically generated

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:          15/05/2024

 

Name:          Kevin Fisher                    

Job Title:    Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services

 

 

Wards affected: Boston Castle;

Lead officer: Tim Hartley


15/05/2024 - Ivanhoe Road, Thurcroft ref: 1725    Recommendations Approved

Ivanhoe Road, Thurcroft was a single residential dwelling. The owner of the property has built another property on the land at the side within the boundary.  The owner is requesting a release to the restrictive covenant which limits this legal title to one dwelling. This will allow the new property to be sold. Approval is sought to release the restrictive covenant on 1 Ivanhoe Road.

 

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 20/06/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

15/05/2024

 

Title:

Ivanhoe Road Thurcroft

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Decision taken under the powers granted to the property officer under section 29.12 of the Council’s Financial Procurement Procedure Rules.

 

Paragraph 29.12.1 states where the estimated disposal value is less than £100,000 the Property

Officer, having taken financial and legal advice, may arrange for the disposal of land or property.

 

Decision:

That the Property Officer approves and negotiates the release of the restrictive covenant in, in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

Ivanhoe Road, Thurcroft was a single residential dwelling. The owner of the property has built another property on the land at the side within the boundary.  The owner is requesting a release to the restrictive covenant which limits this legal title to one dwelling. This will allow the new property to be sold.

Approval is sought to release the restrictive covenant on 1 Ivanhoe Road. The agreed fee for release is £45,000

 

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Option 1 (Preferred Option) - That the release of the restrictive covenant is agreed at the valuation, so the Council would receive the capital receipt and professional fees and the owners can sell the bungalow which has already been built.

Option 2 – That the sale is not agreed - The owner won’t be able to complete on the proposed sale lawfully as the restrictive covenant will remain in place.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not Applicable

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to ….

 

That the Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport approves and negotiates the disposal by agreement of the land identified at Doncaster Gate, in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy.

 

A signature on a white background Description automatically generated

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:          15/05/2024

 

Name:          Kevin Fisher                              

Job Title:    Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services

 

Wards affected: Thurcroft & Wickersley South;

Lead officer: Tim Hartley


17/06/2024 - Tender Report - Progression of Centenary Way Bridge strengthening works ref: 1723    Recommendations Approved

Approval of procurement of one call-off from YORCivil3 framework encompassing design and build of Centenary Way repair works, with first award for Centenary in June for a contract start date of 8th July.  Awarded to CR Reynolds to the following estimated works value or £900,000.

 

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 19/06/2024

Effective from: 17/06/2024

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

17th June 2024

Title:

22-250 Centenary Way Viaduct, Central Reservation Slabs Strengthening and Repairs & 23-257 (Works) Packman Road Wall Collapse Repairs (Design and Build)

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge

Interim Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

Within the Council’s constitution the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment has the following delegated powers: -

 

Section 4C6: 3 (f)

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment is authorised1 to discharge executive functions for Planning, Regeneration and Transport (f) Transport Strategy

 

And;

 

Contract Procedure Rule 42:

In relation to their Directorates, each Strategic Director has a general power to make council contracts, including the power to determine select lists of tenderers, to accept tenders and to award contracts.  This is subsequently delegated to Assistant Directors in the sub-scheme of delegation.

 

Brief Description of Decision:

Approval of Centenary Way Structural Repairs and Packman Road emergency stabilisation works, via a call-off from YORCivil3 framework encompassing design and build activities, awarded to CR Reynolds to the following estimated works value or £973k.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure that the structures of Centenary Way and Packman Road can be repaired.

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Various design options for the structural solution of both schemes have been considered and costed.  The recommendation is that a do minimum repair will not provide a suitable repair and significant residual risk will be present.  Therefore, the option of a comprehensive repair for both structures is the viable and recommended option.  Do nothing is not an option given the proximity of properties s, an important A and B classified road and public interest. 

 

Alternative routes to market were considered as part of the Procurement Business Case submission.   The other options were discounted due to the expected time-consuming nature of the evaluation process, the potential delays in awarding the contract, their suitability in terms of cost-effectiveness and availability of expertise.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

Not applicable.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not applicable.

 

Reports or parts of reports considered

Procurement Business Case - 22-250 Centenary Way Viaduct, Central Reservation Slabs Strengthening and Repairs & 23-257 (Works) Packman Road Wall Collapse Repairs (Design and Build)

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision for approval of Centenary Way Structural Repairs and Packman Road emergency stabilisation works

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated: 17th June, 2024

 

Name: Andrew Bramidge                    

Job Title: Interim Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment

 

Wards affected: Boston Castle; Rotherham East; Rotherham West;

Lead officer: Matthew Reynolds


14/06/2024 - Grange Park Golf Club ref: 1719    Recommendations Approved

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the granting of a new lease of the Grange Park Golf Club.

 

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 14/06/2024

Effective from: 14/06/2024

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

14th June 2024

 

Title:

Grange Park Golf Club – Grant of New Lease and Repayment of Arrears of Rent and Rates

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Simon Moss, Assistant Director, Planning, Regeneration & Transport

 

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

Decision taken under the powers granted to the property officer under sections 29.9 (Land & Buildings) and 42.1.3 (Delegation Arrangements) of the Council’s Financial Procurement Procedure Rules.

 

Brief Description of Decision:

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the grant of a new lease of the Grange Park Golf Club, subject to the repayment of arrears or rent and rates

 

Reasons for the Decision:

Grange Park Golf Club Limited has approached the Council and advised that it has secured an investor to invest in the business. This investment will see a significant refurbishment and upgrade to the current facilities. They have provided details of the proposed investment and a programme of when they propose to carry out the works

 

Part of the investment proposal is that all historic / legacy rent and other arrears are cleared in return for the grant of a single new lease on the site to the investor’s company.

 

Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion & Neighbourhood Working – supported 7.6.24

 

Rob Mahon, Section 151 – supported 6.6.24

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Option 1 – Grant a New Lease to Top Play Limited

 

Lease terms have been agreed with this company and their investors which will see legacy rent and rates arrears cleared and a substantial additional amount invested in the site and its facilities over a planned period with a view to securing a sustainable future for the golf club.

 

This is the preferred option

 

Option 2 – Terminate the Existing Leases and PursueRecovery Action in Respect of the Rent Arrears

 

Terminate the current leases on the grounds of non-payment of rent and recover the property. Once recovered the property will require works to bring it to a marketable standard and there is no guarantee of a new tenant being found.

 

Furthermore, it would be unlikely that the historic rent arrears could be recovered as the current tenant company does not have sufficient assets.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

There are no conflicts of interest declared

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not Applicable

 

Reports or parts of reports considered

Not Applicable

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision That the Assistant Director Planning, Regeneration & Transport approves and negotiates the lease with Top Play Limited, in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet member for Social Inclusion & Neighbourhood Working

 

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:          14th June, 2024

 

Name:          Simon Moss                      

Job Title:     Assistant Director Planning, Regeneration and Transport

 

Wards affected: Keppel;

Lead officer: Polly Hamilton


07/05/2024 - Household Support Fund - vouchers for children in receipt of free school meals for the Spring half term holiday ref: 1718    Recommendations Approved

A further allocation of Household Support Fund (HSF) was allocated in the Government’s Budget announced on the 6 March 2024. This covers six months from April to September 2024.

 

A report will be presented to Cabinet in June to approve allocation of HSF, however, to follow the practice providing vouchers to children in receipt of free school meals for the spring half term holiday, a delegated decision will be required in advance of that. This is because the spring half term holiday falls before the meeting of Cabinet in June.

Decision Maker: Assistant Chief Executive

Decision published: 10/06/2024

Effective from: 07/05/2024

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

Date of Decision:

7th May 2024

Title:

Household Support Fund April to September 2024 – allocation of vouchers for children in receipt of free school meals for the spring half term school holiday.

Decision Maker: (Including Job Title)

Jo Brown, Assistant Chief Executive.

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub- Scheme of Delegation.

Council Constitution, Appendix 9, Section 4C2: Assistant Chief Executive – Delegated Executive Functions: The Assistant Chief Executive is authorised to discharge executive functions in relation to:- (6) Performance, Intelligence and Improvement, including Policy and Partnerships.

Decision:

That up to £200k of Household Support Fund is allocatedto provide vouchers valued at £15 each to children in receipt of free school meals covering the spring half term school holiday.

Reasons for the Decision:

As part of the Government’s budget statement on 6th March, the Chancellor announced that Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for the first six months of 2024/25 (April to September).

 

On 26th March the Council was allocated £2.489m from this fund and received government guidance regarding its use.

 

The first available date for Cabinet to consider and approve allocations of the grant is the meeting scheduled to 10th June. This information is being incorporated into the financial monitoring paper that is considered at the meeting.

 

An established priority from previous rounds of HSF has been to provide vouchers for the school holiday periods to children in receipt of free school meals.

 

Owing to the spring half term holiday falling before the next Cabinet meeting and overall allocation of the fund, a


 

delegated decision is required to provide vouchers for that specific holiday period.

 

Based on an estimated number of eligible children of 13,000 receiving vouchers valued at £15 each, £195kwould be required to cover the one-week holiday. To allow for any growth in demand, it is recommended that up to £200k is allocated with the final actual figure to be determined as part of the full HSFgrant.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The alternative would be to not issues vouchers to children in receipt of free school meals for the spring half term holiday. This would be a departure from priority use of Household Support Fund established in previous rounds of fund allocations and is not recommended.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest.

 

Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion consulted.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None.

Reports or parts of reports considered

None.

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to ….

 

Allocate up to £200k of Household Support Fund to provide vouchers valued at £15 each to children in receipt of free school meals covering the spring half term school holiday.


 

Signed by the Decision Maker Dated: 7th May 2024

Name:          Jo Brown

 

Job Title: Assistant Chief Executive

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Jo Brown


20/06/2024 - Strategic acquisition of 18 new homes from the Brecks Lane development in Brecks ref: 1727    Recommendations Approved

Approval to enter into contract with Avant Homes to purchase 18 new homes from the Brecks Lane development in Brecks.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 01/03/2024

Effective from: 20/06/2024

Decision:

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

1 March 2024

 

Title:

Strategic acquisition of 18 new homes from the Brecks Lane development in Brecks

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

James Clark, Assistant Director of Housing

 

 

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

 

Enaction of recommendation 2 from the Annual Housing Development Report – 2022/23, approved by Cabinet 11 July 2022:

 

“2. That Cabinet approves the purchase of homes from any of the schemes identified in Exempt Appendix 3”.

 

Reaffirmed in recommendation 3 of the subsequent Housing Development Programme Report – 2023/24, approved by Cabinet 23 January 2023:

 

“3. That Cabinet approves the purchase of homes from any of the schemes identified in Exempt Appendix 5”.

 

Decision:

Approval to enter into contract with Avant Homes to purchase 18 new homes from the Brecks Lane development in Brecks – identified in both Appendix 3 to the July 2022 Cabinet report and Appendix 5 to the January 2023 report.

 

The Council will purchase:

·       Nine, two-bedroom houses

·       One, two bedroom bungalow

·       Seven, three-bedroom houses

·       One, four-bedroom house

 

The homes will be brought into the Council’s existing housing stock and made available to applicants from the Housing Register.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision has been taken in-line with the Cabinet approval, to ensure that the Council can continue to deliver new council homes to meet residents’ needs.

 

The financial detail of the acquisitions is set out within the capital business case. It is not included within the decision record on the basis that it is commercially sensitive. This is in-line with the over-arching Cabinet report exemption.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The July 2022 Cabinet report considered the alternative option not to pursue new acquisition opportunities and this was not recommended because: “the Council needs to ensure a continuous pipeline to deliver the council homes needed”.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health – Annual Housing Development Report – 2022/23.

 

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health – Housing Development Programme Report – 2023/24.

 

Full Business Case (FBC) – Brecks Lane Strategic Acquisitions 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to ….

 

Enter into contract with Avant Homes to purchase 18 new homes from the Brecks Lane development in Brecks.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

Dated: 18 June 2024        

 

Name: James Clark          

Job Title: Assistant Director of Housing

Wards affected: Wickersley North;

Lead officer: David Bagnall