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Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th June, 2024 6.00 pm

June 12, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet of Lewes Council met to discuss updates on social housing regulation and the sustainable procurement policy. Key decisions were made to approve the new social housing standards and the sustainable procurement policy.

Social Housing Regulation Update

Councillor Peter Diplock introduced the update on social housing regulation, highlighting the importance of the new Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. Oliver Jones, Lead for Housing, Homelessness & Community Safety, detailed the significant changes brought by the Act, which came into force on 1 April 2024. The Act introduces new consumer standards focusing on safety, transparency, and energy efficiency, and strengthens the regulator's enforcement powers. It removes the serious detriment test, allowing for more proactive investigations into landlord services.

Jones noted that Eastbourne had participated in a pilot inspection in October 2022, which helped shape their response to the new standards. The council has since developed action plans and compliance checks to meet the new requirements. The changes aim to improve tenant safety and service accountability, influenced by inquiries into the Grenfell Tower fire and the death of Awaab Ishak in a damp and mouldy flat.

Councillor Jim Murray emphasized the cost implications but deemed them necessary for improving tenant conditions. The council approved the recommendations to align with the new regulatory framework.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Serena Stallard addressed the Cabinet regarding the Sustainable Procurement Policy, expressing concerns about the environmental and human costs of electric vehicle (EV) production. She highlighted issues such as cobalt mining and its detrimental effects on health and the environment.

Councillor Dan Butcher introduced the report, which seeks approval for the sustainable procurement policy. Peter Jenion explained that the policy aligns procurement with the council's environmental plans, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The policy incorporates lessons learned from consultations and focuses on environmental, economic, and social factors.

Councillor Jim Murray acknowledged the challenges of embodied carbon in new technologies but stressed the importance of moving forward with sustainable practices. The council aims to support local businesses and improve social value through procurement.

The Cabinet approved the recommendations, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and local economic support.

For more details, you can refer to the Decisions document and the Public reports pack.