Agenda item

ReSOLVED:   1)         That  the proposed terms of reference to form a strategic forum between the Council and FCH as set out in the report be approved.

2)         That the Leader and the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing, along with the Chief Executive, represent the Council at the proposed Forum.

Reason for Decision

A structured arrangement will help ensure that an effective relationship withFCH the major provider of affordable housing in the area is maintained

Councillor Lawrence presented a report which proposed the establishment of a structured forum involving Freebridge Community Housing (FCH) and the Council.

The report explained that whilst an effective relationship had been maintained since stock transfer in 2006, there was currently no existing forum for the two organisations to engage in discussion on strategic matters at a Senior Member/Director level.

In recent years FCH had developed into an increasingly important partner to the Borough Council not only in terms of the provision of social and affordable housing but also on wider community issues.  Close working with FCH was vital in relation to speedily addressing the need of homeless people and families to whom the Council owed a statutory duty, as well as in terms of providing homes for people on the housing register.  FCH were a key partner within the West Norfolk partnership and had played a significant part in a range of community initiatives, an example being their acquisition of the Providence Street community facilities in King’s Lynn which had been enhanced and improved both operationally and physically since FCH acquired the building from Norfolk County Council.

A strategic forum had been proposed (to include two meetings per year) that would provide an opportunity to ensure that respective priorities were understood; that new opportunities were explored; and that challenges and risks were identified.  The proposal to establish formal arrangements for engagement came at a time of significant change in the operating environment of registered housing providers.

The Chief Executive drew attention to the fact that the proposed arrangements were similar to those operated with the College of West Anglia (COWA) and formalised discussions in a more transparent manner.  FCH Board had agreed to the proposal.

Councillor Daubney drew attention to the fact that the proposal would ensure people were better informed of works with FCH in the same way as with the COWA and Alive.

Councillor Pope asked what would happen with the Golden Share if FCH should merge with any other Housing Provider.  Councillor Lawrence commented that it might end up necessary to exercise the golden share if the Council wasn’t in agreement with any proposal, it could potentially come to Cabinet for discussion about the best way forward.  The Chief Executive explained that when the Council required the Golden Share in the transfer it was to make sure things couldn’t happen without the Council taking a view on it taking into account the interests of the people of the Borough.  If members felt any arrangements weren’t acceptable Cabinet could instruct the Cabinet member to exercise the Golden Share.  It was a negotiating tool for the Council to ensure the people in the Borough were protected.

Councillor Long welcomed the proposal and stated he had abstained at the Board Meeting so he could agree it at this meeting.  He felt it made for a more transparent outward facing and formal footing, and felt that there would be less need to use the Golden Share when in discussion with FCH.

ReSOLVED:   1)         That  the proposed terms of reference to form a strategic forum between the Council and FCH as set out in the report be approved.

2)         That the Leader and the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing, along with the Chief Executive, represent the Council at the proposed Forum.