The Borough Residents' Forum meeting scheduled for 25 September 2024 was set to discuss the proposed award of a new grounds maintenance contract and to receive an update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. The agenda also included an update on the rollout of food waste collections on housing estates.

Grounds Maintenance Contract Award

The meeting was scheduled to consider the award of a new contract for grounds maintenance services for council-managed housing estates. The current contract was due to expire on 23 February 2025, and the proposed new contract would be for an initial six-year period, with an option for a further six-year extension. The report indicated that the contract would involve a range of horticultural duties across approximately 342 housing sites. It was noted that the specification for the new contract had been updated to include the payment of the London Living Wage and the use of electric fleet and equipment where possible. The report recommended accepting the tender submitted by Bidder 2 and sought approval for associated budget variations. The Executive Director of Finance commented that costs incurred under the contract would be rechargeable to leaseholders as part of the annual service charge billing process, with an estimated 40% of additional costs being passed on.

HRA Business Plan Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. The report detailed updates reflecting movements since the framework was last approved in February 2024, incorporating the 2023/24 financial results, housing policy reviews, and current estimates for expenditure, income, and reserve balances. The plan also included updated profiles for capital scheme cash flows and associated financing. The report highlighted immediate risks and longer-term pressures, particularly the unquantified costs of decarbonisation and fire safety measures. The update confirmed the continuing financial viability of the Council's management of its housing stock based on current assumptions. The report sought approval for positive HRA capital budget variations totalling £8.250 million and for revised HRA capital programme cash flows. The appendices provided detailed breakdowns of the capital programme, including major refurbishments, re-wiring, heating repairs, environmental improvements, site developments, and regeneration projects.

Food Waste Roll Out on Housing Estates

An update was scheduled to be provided by Cindy Gardener, Assistant Director of Waste and Street Cleansing, regarding the rollout of food waste collections on housing estates.