Purpose

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is more
relevant and
important than ever. With the Social Housing White Paper
placing a greater emphasis on tenant engagement, the HRA
must ensure its management function is strong and
anticipates the needs of residents. With the Government
keen to “build back better” after the pandemic the HRA
must
continue to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes and
contribute towards the reduction in use of temporary
accommodation (TA) to aid the General Fund. With carbon
net zero a global goal, the green credentials of new build
homes and the retrofitting of existing stock are also of
paramount importance in the HRA.

Agree that delegated authority is given to the Head of Housing, in
consultation with the Head of Finance and IT, and the Portfolio
Holders for Housing and Finance, to acquire land up to the value of
£5m be extended to include s106 acquisitions up to the value
of £5m
The acquisition of Hope house, High Halden has been acquired in
November/December 2023 (this is a s106 site of 10 homes)

Decision

Purchase under delegated authority reference;
Recommendation III of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan
2021-2052