The Council Urgency Committee met to consider a report about the future of Milford Towers in Catford. The report included a request to extend the lease of 181 flats in Milford Towers to Notting Hill Genesis.

Milford Towers Lease Extension

The report pack included a proposal to request consent from the Secretary of State to extend the lease of 181 flats in Milford Towers to Notting Hill Genesis, a housing association.

The report explains that Notting Hill Genesis currently leases 197 flats in Milford Towers on individual leases that are due to expire on 14th November 2024. 16 of those flats are in the process of being returned to Lewisham Council for use as temporary accommodation.

Lewisham Council and Notting Hill Genesis have reached an in principle agreement to extend the leases on the remaining 181 flats, but because the flats were previously council homes, the Secretary of State's consent is required before Lewisham Council can extend the lease.

The leasing scheme that is currently in operation for the properties that were previously Council homes is therefore required to be extended. The Council requires Secretary of State consent to extend the leasing arrangement to continue to keep the flats within the private rented sector. ¹

The report explains that the extension is necessary to ensure that Notting Hill Genesis can continue to provide housing for the existing tenants while Lewisham Council develops its plans to regenerate Catford town centre, which have been delayed due to a number of factors.

The report also notes that there is currently a shortage of private rented accommodation in Lewisham and across London, and that many of the Notting Hill Genesis tenants in Milford Towers would struggle to find alternative accommodation in the private rented sector.

The Council and, more widely, authorities across London are currently experiencing a sharp decrease in the supply of private rented accommodation.... Household data shared with the council (a process that tenants were notified by NHG would happen) indicates that most if not all have a need for affordable housing and would struggle financially in the mainstream private rental market.

The report seeks authority for officers to make an application to the Secretary of State for consent to extend the leases, and to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Housing to agree the final terms of the lease extension. It is noted that this decision can be made by the Council Urgency Committee because the matter is time-sensitive. Any decision made will need to be reported to the next meeting of the full council.