Purpose

This report describes and discusses a permanent social housing project which is a re-development of an existing garage site. It is being developed by Housing Solutions, a Registered Social Housing Provider. The proposal is for RBWM to contribute capital funding to the scheme to enable the tenure to be reduced to the social rent level (the most affordable to households in need). The proposed capital funding will be sourced from Section 106 affordable housing receipts which RBWM received from the developers of previous housing schemes where affordable housing was not provided on-site. Recycling the receipts into this scheme is advantageous in that it is possible to provide family houses including one which is capable of adaptation for wheelchair users. Affordable housing with these attributes is in short supply and as a consequence this project is of some benefit to RBWM.

Decision

AGREED: That Cabinet noted the report and:

i)             Approved a capital budget along with the appropriate virements, of £175,000, funded from Section 106 affordable housing funds for a 4- bed house at Phipps Close, Maidenhead to enable the delivery of the house as affordable housing with a tenure of affordable rent capped at the Local Housing Allowance level, payable from the Capital Programme 2026/27. This approval is subject to Housing Solutions receipt of £55,000 from a Homes England grant.

ii)            Delegated authority to the Assistant Director Housing and Public Protection in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Housing Delivery and Health, for the nomination of a suitable household to the completed property.