RETENTION John Briggs Welwyn Hatfield Council

1
RETENTIONJohn BriggsWelwyn Hatfield Council
2
Setting the scene (early 2003)

• Stock of over 9,500 homes (85 Decent)
• Tory controlled council (pro-LSVT)
• Long established tenant involvement
• HRA overspending by 1M per annum
• Debt free huge LASHG programme
• Options needed to be considered as part of a Best
  Value Review and to meet local political
  imperative

3
The Appraisal Process

• Started January 2003 with financial appraisal
  (all options open to WHC)
• Consultation during summer/autumn reached 20 of
  tenants public meetings, drop-ins, phone-ins
  district wide debate
• HQN (Lead)and Aldbourne Associates (ITA)
  Consultants
• Defend Council Housing quite active
• November Cabinet Decision

4
The Decision
5
On balance

• Stock transfer was the best option
• ALMO offered little extra
• PFI was not appropriate
• Retention was the overwhelming preference of
  tenants and therefore deliverable, but.
• a question remains on funding new build beyond
  the current 3-4 year capital programme.
• DECISION Retention with commitment to
  re-appraisal in 5 years, or before

6
Implications

• Need a very robust Business Plan and approach to
  decent homes
• Drive on performance and service improvement
• Continued work on empowerment of tenant
  representatives (for next time)
• Manage communications over the next 3-4 years to
  prepare all tenants
• Aim for excellence and high customer satisfaction
  to validate the preference our tenants expressed!