The report has been circulated with the Cabinet Agenda for its meeting on 17^th January 2019. The relevant Minute and report has been referred direct to the Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

The Committee considered Minute 616 of Cabinet held on 17^th January 2019 which had been referred direct to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee. This concerned the notice of motion calling on the Council to explore all avenues for building social housing for rent at the former NHS land at Fossetts Farm and investigate potential funding options and calculating the potential benefit, both financial and social to Southend’s residents.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions from Cabinet be noted:-

“1. That the notice of motion, be noted.

2. That the Council continues the work to identify housing development opportunities and the best way to deliver the scale of new housing, and specifically locally affordable housing, needed in Southend.

3. That through the work in 2 above, to identify the best delivery methods for those opportunities, including those which are best delivered through Southend Housing Ltd.

4. To continue working in partnership with Homes England to achieve the best outcome for development of the Fossetts Farm site, in terms of the number, tenure, affordability, design and overall quality of the homes to be built.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cox

Deputy Chief Executive People (notice of motion attached)

At the meeting of Council held on 13^th December 2018, Councillors received a notice of motion calling on the Council to explore all avenues for building social housing for rent at the former NHS land at Fossetts Farm and investigate potential funding options and calculating the potential benefit, both financial and social to Southend’s residents.

This had been proposed by Councillor McDonald and seconded by Councillor Gilbert.

Resolved:

1. That the notice of motion, be noted.

2. That the Council continues the work to identify housing development opportunities and the best way to deliver the scale of new housing, and specifically locally affordable housing, needed in Southend.

3. That through the work in 2 above, to identify the best delivery methods for those opportunities, including those which are best delivered through Southend Housing Ltd.

4. To continue working in partnership with Homes England to achieve the best outcome for development of the Fossetts Farm site, in terms of the number, tenure, affordability, design and overall quality of the homes to be built.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the notice of motion

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Cox