Decision details

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet:

a)         agrees to the proposals as set out in Sections 5-6 of report DCE/016.

b)         approves the use of budget secured through HPS/31 to undertake the capital costs related to the implementation of the proposals set out in report DCE/016.

Reasons for the Recommendations

It has been recognised for some time that the Metcalf Way Depot is under-utilised. Report DCE/16 sets out proposals to intensify its use moving forward and in doing so to modernise the working environment of the staff working there.

One reason for the under-utilisation is the move to Neighbourhood Depots, the final one being Creasys Drive. Creasys Drive will have running costs, but this has yet to be budgeted for. The intention is that greater utilisation of the Metcalf Way Depot will provide a revenue stream for this.

Crawley Homes utilises a range of dispersed and sub-optimal accommodation for the storage needs of its main contractors. This way of working is creating efficiencies in relation to communication and logistics. This report proposes to utilise Metcalf Way Depot for these functions moving forward, leading to improved and more efficient working, and releasing the current assets for rent to residents and businesses.

Report DCE/16 also proposes the relocation of the Crawley Homes Cleaning & Clearance Team from 51 Spencers Road. This releases a Council asset either for rental or for disposal. A decision on the future of this asset will be taken separately but the potential is considered as part of the rationale for this proposal.

The Council has recently secured Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF) Wave 2 as part of its retrofitting of its Crawley Homes stock. This will require additional storage facilities that are currently not available. Report DCE/16 sets out the proposals for this, and how they align with the broader direction of travel but does not require approval and so there is no related recommendation.

The proposals as set out in report DCE/16 also benefit the General Fund position, and the proposals have been developed with an eye to achieving this.