Decision details

The board considered a report of the Chief Executive that sought approval to enter into a Collaborative Partnering Agreement (“CPA”) with the Homes for the West Midlands Limited Partnership (“the LLP “) for the purpose of furthering and increasing the development of new affordable housing on brownfield sites whilst also contributing to key WMCA policy objectives including net zero and advanced methods of construction.

The report submitted sought to address the points raised by members on 19 August 2024 when the report was initially considered and deferred to allow further information to be provided.

The Head of Strategy and Analysis, Rob Lamond, summarised the responses to the points raised by members.

Councillor Grinsell (Solihull) enquired as who was overseeing housing and land decisions as there was no portfolio holder for this area or a housing and land delivery board to refer matters to.

The Chair reported that he had previously raised this issue and considered this board should have oversight of housing projects.

The Executive Director of Finance and Business Hub, Linda Horne explained that all WMCA business is allocated to the WMCA Board, this board and Overview and Scrutiny Committee. She advised that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee could pick up housing projects as the committee has responsibility for monitoring the delivery of the Annual Business Plan; they could opt to do a ‘deep dive’ in this area.

The Chair reported that he would suggest to Overview and Scrutiny Committee that they look at reviewing the performance of housing projects such as this.

The Head of Strategy and Analysis, Rob Lamond, indicated that he would look to report back to Investment Board on the monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Resolved that:

1.    Approval be given for the West Midlands Combined Authority to enter into a Collaborative Partnering Agreement (‘CPA’) with the Homes for the West Midlands Limited Liability Partnership (‘the LLP’) in substantially the form of the document attached at Appendix 1;

2.    The progress update regarding the proposed disposal of the Abberley Site (‘the Pilot site’) for an 100% affordable housing pathfinder project be noted;

3.    The proposed next steps of implementing the CPA, including the utilisation of Abberley Street as the demonstrator project for this approach be noted;

4.    The outcomes from the monitoring and evaluation of the affordable housing pilot project be reported back to Investment Board in due course and

5.    It be suggested to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that they give consideration to reviewing housing projects such as the affordable