Councillors to discuss next steps for Large Panel System blocks

Over the past few months, we’ve been consulting with residents of the 8 large panel system (LPS) blocks on the council’s in-principle decision to redevelop their buildings, which includes demolishing and replacing them with new homes.

As part of this work, we will be taking a report to the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 28 January for the committee’s views on the proposals.

Their feedback will be incorporated into the report going to Cabinet in March, together with the feedback we have received through the consultation and engagement with residents.

The consultation involved secure tenants, leaseholders owning homes in LPS blocks and people in temporary accommodation, as well as residents on the housing register, who were invited to share their views on our proposed plans for rehousing and allocating new homes.

Piloting an alternative to Right to Buy

During the engagement programme, we have also been exploring an additional proposal to support secure tenants who may have wanted to exercise their Right to Buy.

Instead of purchasing their council home – which in these blocks would not be successful with any mortgage application – we’re proposing an alternative that helps people move into home ownership on the open market.

Eligible tenants would be able to apply for a targeted grant of around £45,000, depending on the size.

This support is designed to help with a deposit and make buying a home genuinely achievable, whether that’s here in the city or elsewhere.

The pilot would begin later this year and allow us to test how well it works before looking at the option of expanding further.

The scheme aims to give tenants choice and support those who want to own a home, as well as protect council housing for other families who are waiting.

When someone moves into ownership through the pilot, their existing council home can be used again – helping us reduce waiting lists and the need for costly temporary accommodation.

This proposal, which will require Cabinet approval, will also be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

An exciting initiative

Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “We are very grateful to all our LPS residents, whether secure tenants, leaseholders or people in temporary accommodation and residents on the housing register, for taking part in our consultation and sharing their thoughts and insights.

“We will continue to actively consult with the LPS residents and keep them informed every step of the way.

“The alternative Right to Buy pilot scheme is an exciting initiative,  providing a welcome boost to those who’d like to get on the property ladder while allowing for a wider freedom in choosing a home that fits their needs and preferences.

“The scheme would also help to protect our supply of council housing and allow us to offer vacated council homes to other residents on a waiting list or in temporary accommodation.”

Read the latest information on the future options of the council’s 8 LPS buildings.