Agenda item

To consider the attached report.

The Director of HRA Functions, D Fenton, detailed a scheme to lease furniture from Buckingham Interiors, a specialist provider and part of the social enterprise FRC Group. The scheme would be piloted in Frank Bretton House after extensive consultation with the residents. The furniture would be leased for 5 years when ownership of the furniture could be taken, or further refurbishment agreed.  There would be no capital outlay and the scheme would be financed through a new component of the service charge, there would be no financial detriment to current residents. This leasing scheme had been effective with other local councils and social housing providers. The effectiveness of the pilot would be assessed and if successful the scheme could be rolled out across the remaining sheltered housing schemes. 

Cllr Bassett requested specific financial costs and Cllr Kauffman sought reassurance that financial due diligence would take place. D Fenton advised that this was at a preliminary stage, the specific costs and financial detail would be detailed and included in the Cabinet report. The organisation involved was included in a framework agreement and as such would have met key due diligence requirements.  Cllr Murray queried the aesthetics of the furniture and was reassured that the residents would select their preferred style and design. Cllr Whitehouse asked if other companies could provide the service,  D Fenton advised of the specialist nature of this provision and would confirm if there were any alternative providers within the framework.

The Director of HRA Functions detailed the key elements of the action plan related to the review of the Council’s sheltered housing team. The warden call system needed to be upgraded from analogue to digital by 2025, the tender process would begin in due course and this would be reported to Cabinet. The impact of reducing the minimum age to the schemes would be considered after the schemes had been upgraded and a scope of works had been produced for the redevelopment of smaller second lounges into accessible accommodation, however a review of the accessibility of entry doors was required . Cllr Whitehouse had queried item 2.1 of the action plan and a correction was provided, the consultation would be delayed until after scheme improvements and had been completed.

Cllr Murray queried item 1:1 the installation of WIFI, of the action plan and raised the importance of digital connectivity in the schemes. D Fenton advised that WIFI was not currently viable at the schemes, but  remained on the plan for the potential inclusion of WIFI  as part of the digital warden call system.

Cllr Whitehouse asked who would be involved in the review of the allocation criteria as detailed at item 4.1b of the action plan, and if this would come back to scrutiny.  D Fenton advised that this would be a large project with a range of stakeholders including residents, customers, officers and members and  this would be presented to a future scrutiny committee.

Resolved

That the committee:

              I.        Noted the progress of the Older Persons Housing work programme.

            II.        Supported the proposed furniture leasing scheme with Buckingham Interiors and recommended the scheme to Cabinet for approval.