Agenda item

Yvonne Fox, Assistant Director, Housing Management, presented a verbal update on De Wint Court, new purpose-built residential accommodation open now to support residents to live more independently, yet together and more inclusively with the local surrounding community. She highlighted the following key points:

·         As of today, the scheme was fully allocated.

·         A waiting list contained 24 active applications and 74 awaiting assessment by the Allocation Panel.

·         This new sheltered housing scheme was a great flagship facility for people to live.

·         The beautiful apartments had built-in security and lifestyle features that helped make the practicalities of day-to-day life easier for residents.

·         Key benefits of De Wint Court centred on flexible on-site care and support packages built around people’s needs, a restaurant serving the local community on the doorstep and a hair and beauty salon without going outside the complex.

Mick Barber, Chair of LTP commended the scheme as a jewel in our crown, and he hoped there would be similar projects in the City.

Members raised questions as follows:

·         How did the resident’s service charge apply to those resident’s on means tested housing benefit?

·         Officer Response: The service charge was made up of a number of elements to ensure the effective management of the scheme. It was charged over and above normal council house rent offering care and support built around individual needs. Residents on benefits did get  help, however, those not on benefits must pay the full service charge. New residents were made aware of the charges at the application stage. Although costs were more than council rents due to the care package provided, it was still an affordable rent. There were also alternative sheltered housing schemes available in the City. Rent charges would be constantly reviewed to ensure they were reasonable and affordable.

·         Was the application process split 50/50 between the City and County Council or were City residents given priority?

·         Officer Response: Lincoln residents were given priority as part of the allocation assessment. All the current residents were from the City.

Daren Turner, Strategic Director, Housing and Investment, highlighted that there were a few teething problems to be addressed by the build contractors, which were being followed up for final resolution.

Councillor Tom Dyer sought reassurance from the Director of Housing and Investment  that he was confident with the detail of the full contract agreement for the complex which had been managed by a former staff member.

Daren Turner, Director of Housing and Investment confirmed that the overall delivery of the project was covered under the contract agreement, there were just a few snagging issues which were being chased to avoid penalties being applied. Under the retention policy, a legal view had been sought to the effect that a reasonable period of time should be given for the contractor to respond to snagging issues, in order to follow due process.

RESOLVED that:

1.    A Post-Implementation Report of De Wint Court be added to the work programme to be presented to Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee after April 2023.

2.    The content of the verbal report be noted with special thanks to all the officers involved in the creation of this unique venture.