Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the progress of the Round 5 submission to the HCA.

Consideration was given to a report which provided a status report on the discussions with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) regarding the Outline Business Case and the upcoming work and resources implications. 

The Programme Director and officers of both Councils had been in active discussions with the HCA in response to their request for additional information in advance of the submission of a final Outline Business Case which would need to be approved by Members.  The information requested related to the need for additional PFI credits to secure the delivery of 200 apartments for social rental. 

It would be necessary for officers to have satisfied the additional requirements specified by the HCA and finalised the Outline Business Case by 28 May. This would enable the respective Cabinet/Executive to determine matters of affordability and for the Board to review and sign off the Outline Business Case prior to submission in mid June.

To ensure that the work was completed on time, it was proposed to direct senior manager time in Strategic Commissioning of the Lead Authority to this effect and adjust other priority work areas accordingly.  It was not possible to release appropriate officer time in Finance and Legal due to completing priorities.  Therefore it was necessary to utilise some short-term external support (either directly or to ‘back fill’ displaced work) which would be funded by the project budget.

RESOLVED:

1          That the report be received and the actions required to progress the final Outline Business Case for Extra Care Housing Round 5 be noted.

2          The requirement for additional input to the Project Team in order to meet the HCA deadline and the use of external advice to support the Project Team or assist in covering other displaced work be noted.