URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2165

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Committee - Communities

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: That Scrutiny Committee consider the following proposed recommendations, scrutinise the proposals in this report and consider whether it wishes to make any additional recommendations to the Executive:   To accept the recommendations of the independent consultant’s customer engagement activity and transfer all aspects of housing stock management and maintenance to Somerset Council’s company Homes in Somerset. (Appendix 1)   To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Director of Community, Place & Economy, the Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance and the Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and Equalities and Diversity to approve the final management fee to accommodate the changes (post consultation with employees).   To commence consultation on the transfer of in-house roles identified as having protections under Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment regulations (TUPE), to Homes in Somerset.   To delegate authority to the Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Executive Director of Community, Place & Economy to negotiate, draft and complete all legal documentation necessary to implement the proposal in a line with relevant legal requirements.   To delegate agreement on the date for transfer to the Executive Director Community, Place and Economy in consultation with the Lead Member for the Housing Revenue Account.   To establish a Head of ALMO Client role for strategy, performance and compliance oversight of the Council responsibilities undertaken by Homes in Somerset.    To approve a one-off revenue budget of £1.226m to fund mobilisation costs funded by the HRA general reserve.   Approval of expenditure against this budget to be delegated to Executive Director Community, Place and Economy in consultation with the S151 officer.   To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Director of Community, Place & Economy, the Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance and the Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and Equalities and Diversity to approve an in-year amendment to the Management Fee payable to Homes In Somerset for the part year change in the management agreement.   That transition planning and transfer oversight to be monitored by the Project Steering Group, and Community Scrutiny.   The Committee scrutinised the proposals and unanimously agreed to support them.    

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026