(1) That, following consideration of the financial implications, the proposal for the Council to form a Local Housing Company be pursued no further; and
(2) That the Local Government Association be advised of the outcome of the Council’s Feasibility Study.
(1) That the feasibility of the Council setting up a Local Housing Company to purchase properties off the open market to let at market rents, funded by a loan from the Council, be investigated further;
(2) That the specialist solicitors, Trowers and Hamlin, be appointed to advise the Council on the legal issues involved;
(3) That a more detailed financial appraisal be undertaken by the Director of Finance and ICT on the financial issues involved, based on the legal advice obtained;
(4) That a virement of £6,000 be agreed from the District Development Fund Budget for Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, held by the Housing Portfolio, to fund legal and financial fees; and
(5) That a further report be considered by the Cabinet in due course, setting out the legal, financial and other issues and whether the initiative should be considered further.