Issue - meetings

Executive:

(a) approved in principal the Memorandum of Understanding (included at Appendix A) covering joint arrangements for collaborative working at Sele Farm, Hertford.

(b) delegated authority to the Director for Communities, acting in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, to sign the finalised Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of East Herts Council.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods presented the report which proposed a joint working agreement with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to improve homes at Sele Farm, Hertford and increase affordable housing supply.

Concerns were noted regarding SNG’s capacity to maintain tenant care standards. It was clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding was to cover strategic matters and that officers had been asked to progress a separate agreement to ensure high standards of customer care and repairs performance.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Wellbeing seconded the proposal.

Executive Members welcomed the proposed regeneration programme at Sele Farm. Members recognised that the project represented the beginning of a long-term programme, likely to span a decade and emphasised the importance of ongoing consultation, careful planning and providing opportunities for residents to share their views throughout the process.

Whilst there was support for partnership working to improve outcomes in social housing, some concerns were raised regarding accountability. It was noted that, although a Memorandum of Understanding could set out intentions and ways of working, residents would ultimately judge success based on tangible outcomes. Executive Members emphasised the need to maintain strong scrutiny and challenge to ensure that the arrangements delivered meaningful benefits, particularly for vulnerable residents.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED. It was noted that Councillor Dumont abstained from the vote.

RESOVLED – that Executive (A) approved in principal the Memorandum of Understanding (included at Appendix A) covering joint arrangements for collaborative working at Sele Farm, Hertford; and
 

(B) delegated authority to the Director for Communities, acting in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, to sign the finalised Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of East Herts Council.