The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council met on Tuesday 21 March 2017, approving the Sutton Housing Partnership Delivery Plan and the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan. The committee also adopted a Statement of Intent for resident engagement in estate regeneration and approved the principles of a property acquisition programme to increase the council's rented accommodation.

Economy Watch

Mary Innes, Investment and Enterprise Programme Manager, presented the biannual Economy Watch report, which was complimented by members for its new, easier-to-read format. The report covered economic well-being in Sutton, benefits and employment, the local business economy, and Opportunity Sutton interventions. Members discussed unemployment figures for those over 50, with the Programme Manager stating that a strategy was being developed to assist this demographic. Discussions also touched upon housing benefit payments, the borough's population increase, Gross Value Added (GVA) statistics, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) expenditure. Regarding concerns about 'land banking' by developers, Duncan Clarke, Principal Policy Planner, noted that approximately 350 houses are built annually, with around 1000 permissions granted in the same period. Further details are available in the Authority Monitoring Report, accessible online within the Local Plan Evidence Base.

Locally Listed Buildings: Nominations and Changes to Nomination Criteria

Duncan Clarke, Principal Policy Planner, presented a report on locally listed buildings, including seven nominations. Five of these were assessed, with two already being locally listed. Members raised questions about the process when owners object to a building being listed, with Mr. Clarke explaining that while courtesy suggests consulting homeowners, the situation differs for properties owned by developers. The committee discussed the limited protection local listing offers outside of conservation areas, with Andy Webber, Head of Planning, elaborating on its consideration in planning applications. The potential impact of the recently awarded Heritage Action Zone status was also discussed, with Mr. Webber stating it was unlikely to affect previous Historic England decisions but would bring valuable expertise. The protection offered by an Asset of Community Value status was also clarified, with a valid application suspending permitted development rights for demolition for 56 days, becoming permanent if the status is granted. The committee resolved to approve the local listing of The Prince Regent Public House and 4-6 Richmond Road, Beddington, while refusing the listing of 11-15 Beddington Lane, 9-19 Richmond Road, and the Old Farm Buildings. An amendment to the assessment criteria was approved, with authority delegated to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chair, to clarify the effect of ownership on local listing.

Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) Delivery Plan

Trevor Hart, Housing Strategy and Commissioning Manager, presented the Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) Delivery Plan for 2017/18. Steve Tucker, Chief Executive of SHP, provided an overview of the plan. Members discussed how residents are involved in the plan, particularly concerning the focus on residents at the centre of the business and place-making. The decrease in the number of recognised residents' associations was queried, with Colin Hawkins from the Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations (SFTRA) explaining the variety of associations. Mr. Tucker outlined future plans for resident engagement. SHP's new responsibility for the gypsy and traveller site in the borough was also discussed, with Mr. Tucker reporting that SHP was ahead of performance targets. Councillor Amy Haldane offered support for initiatives to establish a residents' association for this site. The committee also examined SHP's Key Performance Indicators, services to landlords, energy efficiency investments, fuel poverty, and the culture of the Executive Management Team. The SHP Delivery Plan for 2017/18 was approved.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan

Trevor Hart, Housing Strategy and Commissioning Manager, presented the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. It was noted that potential changes in national policy might necessitate remodelling the plan, and members would be kept informed. Discussions focused on the long-term projections and viability of the HRA, the new build programme, and right-to-buy receipts, with input from Simon Latham, Executive Head of Housing and Regeneration. Members were referred to a previous paper from the June 2016 Strategy and Resources Committee for further details on right-to-buy receipts. The committee discussed the number of council houses built by the council, with Mr. Latham stating none had been built, and the notion of 'affordability' and social housing needs. Mr. Latham recommended reading the Funding Prospectus published by the Mayor of London in Autumn 2016. A minor correction was made to Paragraph 4.16, changing a figure to £25 million. The HRA Business Plan 2017/18 - 2046/47 was approved, subject to minor amendments by officers prior to publication, with an update to be produced in early 2017/18.

Estate Regeneration Engagement Proposals - Statement of Intent for Residents

Rick Martinez, Regeneration Manager, presented the report on estate regeneration engagement proposals. Members inquired about the identification of proposed estates and the notice given to residents. Mr. Martinez stated the intention to engage residents early, with engagement already commencing at Beech Tree Place and Elm Grove. The timeline for decisions was dependent on resident contributions, predicted to take at least six months. The importance of resident engagement and the timescales of the proposals were underlined. Simon Latham, Executive Head of Housing and Regeneration, referred to previous mentions of regeneration in the Draft Local Plan and confirmed the intention to involve Ward Councillors in resident discussions. The committee was informed that specific plans would be presented to the committee following initial resident discussions and would be agreed with residents, with Ward Councillors involved. Members welcomed the early engagement with residents and acknowledged the potential for uncertainty. Councillor David Hicks moved, and Councillor Nick Emmerson seconded, a motion for a programme of activities and emerging issues to be reported back to a future meeting, which was agreed. The Statement of Intent was adopted as part of the council's approach to resident engagement, and the implementation of estate-based resident engagement leading to a Resident Charter was approved.

Property Acquisition Programme

Simon Latham, Executive Head of Housing, proposed an amendment to Recommendation 2.3 and an additional recommendation 2.6 concerning the property acquisition programme. Discussions focused on the cost of temporary accommodation, both within and outside the borough, and the number and size breakdown of properties. While some concern was expressed about the financial implications, these were mitigated by Mr. Latham's proposed alterations. Mr. Latham clarified that approval was sought for the principles of the programme, with the terms and parameters to be sought at a future committee. The principles of an acquisition programme to increase the supply of rented accommodation owned by the council were approved. The council's first priority will be to provide better quality, sustainable, and cost-effective temporary accommodation for homeless families. The Strategic Directors of Environment, Housing and Regeneration and Resources are to present the terms and parameters of the programme, including the financial model, to the June meeting of the Housing Economy and Business Committee. The programme will focus on acquisitions within the borough of Sutton, with flexibility for acquisitions outside the borough where financially viable and with reasonable travelling times. The implications of variations to the HRA Business Plan and associated timing adjustments to the capital programme will be reported to the July meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee. The programme will commence with an initial phase of acquisitions, details of which will be set out in a report to the June meeting.

Motion to the Housing, Economy and Business Committee

Councillor Neil Garratt submitted a motion, previously debated at Full Council, concerning the purpose and scope of the committee. Councillor Garratt introduced the motion, and further discussion centred on the committee's role, delegated authority, and the differences between committee and cabinet systems. Councillor Garratt welcomed increased scrutiny at the committee. The Chair expressed regret that amendments could not be made to the motion at committee. Following the vote, the motion was lost.