The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday, 18 April 2024, to approve new energy procurement contracts for the council. The meeting also saw the approval of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the Waltham Forest Housing Compact.

Energy Procurement 2024-28

The Cabinet agreed to enter into new contracts for the supply of gas and electricity for the council, covering the period from October 2024 to March 2029. This decision was made following a review of various procurement options, with a recommendation to utilise the flexible frameworks procured by Kent County Council (LASER).

The approved plan includes:

• A six-month bridging contract for all gas supplies to align current contracts with financial years, running from October 2024 to March 2025.
• Rolling two-year contracts for the flexible purchasing of gas and electricity from April 2025 to March 2029.

Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration, and the Strategic Director of Resources, to purchase energy from the highest-ranked suppliers on the chosen frameworks for the duration of the contracts. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), introduced the report, thanking officers Craig Egglestone and Chris Owen for their work. Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, echoed these thanks.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and its accompanying Delivery Plan, referring them to Full Council for approval. Councillor Ahsan Khan highlighted the ongoing housing crisis and the council's efforts to provide affordable homes, mentioning innovations such as face-to-face appointments at Leyton library. He also thanked officers Joe Garrod and Lindsay Megson for their contributions. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Housing to make minor changes to the strategy documents before they are presented to Full Council.

Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024

The Cabinet approved the Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024-2029. Councillor Elizabeth Baptiste introduced the report, emphasising its role as a framework for working with housing associations to achieve positive outcomes for residents and deliver the Council's Housing Strategy. She noted that the Compact's governance would ensure delivery through strong partnerships, including the creation of a Compact Leadership Board which would produce an annual report. Councillor Khan also praised the work on the Compact, describing it as an excellent piece of work and a key relationship for the Council.

Sixty Bricks - Next Steps Proposal

The Cabinet resolved to make Sixty Bricks, the council's housing development company, dormant. This decision was made in light of challenging house-building conditions, including the impacts of Brexit, the pandemic, hyperinflation, and the war in Ukraine. Councillor Ahsan Khan explained that a review of the council's housing delivery models had shown some Sixty Bricks projects to be no longer viable. The council had worked with Sixty Bricks to diversify its business plan. The decision included approving a budget of £150,000 to appoint specialist financial and legal advisory services for the dormancy process. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Place, to finalise the terms of making the company dormant.

Priory Court Tenure Switch

The Cabinet approved an increase in the proportion of affordable housing at Priory Court from 50% to 100%. This will comprise a mix of at least 21 social rented homes and a maximum of 62 shared ownership homes. A funding strategy was also approved, involving capital investment from the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), funded through HRA borrowing, Right to Buy receipts, GLA funding, shared ownership sales, and the Brownfield Land Release Fund. Works were agreed to commence by the end of March 2024 to retain GLA grant and Brownfield Land Release Funding. Subject to the decision on Sixty Bricks, the contract for the Priory Court scheme will be novated to the Council. Councillor Khan congratulated officers on achieving 100% affordable housing and thanked Joe Garrod, Mark Crane, and Rob Manning.