A HARLOW Labour councillor has expressed his concerns that costs to ensure Harlow properties are “fire-safe” could “ruin people’s lives”.

Cllr Stefan Mullard-Toal made his comments as the Harlow Council Cabinet recommend a series of proposals in order to make improvement to properties as laid out by the Regulator for Social Housing.

Details of the recommendations are below.

Film of the cabinet news agenda item is also below.

Executive Summary:

This report provides a further update on the progress the council is making in respect
of the actions agreed with the Regulator for Social Housing following the C3 grading,
the improvements required and for consideration on making a voluntary undertaking
based on the draft improvement plan.

Recommended that:

A. Cabinet notes the progress being made against the actions agreed with the Regulator
for Social Housing to manage and improve our ongoing social housing compliance.

B. Cabinet endorses the draft Improvement Plan for all compliance areas as set out in
Appendix A and notes the ongoing work with the Regulator for Social Housing to
finalise the Improvement Plan.

C. Cabinet notes that progress against the draft Improvement Plan will be reported to
each future meeting of Cabinet.

D. Cabinet keeps under review the option of making a voluntary undertaking to the
Regulator for Social Housing as work on finalising and implementing the improvement
plan continues.

Reason for decision:

Achieving compliance with the Consumer Standards, is a statutory requirement for
local authority housing providers. Meeting the requirements of the Consumer
Standards will help the council deliver its corporate priorities to (1) Transform Harlow’s
housing and (2) Deliver of high-performing services as well as ensuring it is a good
landlord for tenants.

Other Options

No other options are appropriate. The Cabinet must remain fully informed about and in
control of the council’s compliance with social housing regulation and the progress the
council is making against the actions agreed with the Regulator for Social Housing
and next steps.