Social Value Ideas for Watford Borough Council

Damp and mould enforcement

Council received an update on action against damp and mould in homes owned by registered housing providers. Officers have written to providers, engaged with the main local social landlord, and will ke…

“the report demonstrates that we've done exactly that. Our officers have written to major registered housing providers operating in in in Watford reque…”

£160k grant for New Hope relocation

The council approved a capital grant of £160,000 to Watford Community Housing to secure an alternative property for New Hope, whose services are currently delivered from 64 Rickmansworth Road. The rem…

“chairwoman Dawn um it's actually councelor Glenn saffre he's going to be presenting okay apology for that councelor Glenn can you move the recommendat…”

Temporary accommodation costs rising

The finance report highlighted a sharp increase in temporary accommodation costs, rising from £18,000 in 2022-23 to £1.246m in 2023-24. Members repeatedly linked this pressure to the need for more aff…

“the final yearend Revenue position is an underspend against the latest budget of £ 343,000 resulting in the general fund balance remaining with the ri…”

Temporary accommodation overspend

The chief finance officer reported a forecast overspend of £544,000 in temporary accommodation, driven by the delay in the 119 affordable rented homes at Ascot Road and continued growth in households …

“the forecast includes 1.44 million of growth with with the majority being funded by additional grants and contributions starting with Revenue the most…”

Damp and mould reporting action

Council backed a motion to write to housing associations for data on damp and mould cases, repair waiting times, action plans and to use enforcement powers where needed. The discussion referenced Awab…

“Council resolve to write to the all major housing association operating in Watford included Watford Community Housing Trust, Thriv's Home and others r…”

£375k for five social rented homes

The council approved £375,000 of commuted sums to deliver five social rented family homes at Sydney Road. Members framed this as a small but important response to severe housing need, and noted it for…

“so this proposal signals this Council and mayor's determination to increase the number of social rented family accommodation in Watford I no colleague…”

Urgent section 151 appointment

The council urgently approved the appointment of Hannah Doni as section 151 officer and chief finance officer from 1 November 2023, ending the shared arrangement with Three Rivers District Council by …

“I have much pleasure in seeking your agreement to the proposed appointment of Hannah doni as our section1 officer if she will replace Allison Scott wh…”

Fees and charges increased

The council approved an updated fees and charges schedule, with most charges increased broadly in line with CPI inflation. The portfolio holder said this was needed to address a £3 million budget incr…

“as has been widely reported we are facing an increase in our budget expenditure of3 million in this financial year so we have no choice but to react t…”

Year-end overspend and capital spend

The financial monitoring report recorded a provisional revenue overspend of £774,000, partly offset by a £1.546 million technical MRP saving, leaving an overall underspend of £772,000. It also confirm…

“so I'm really pleased to bring for the financial mon report for the year 25 26 year end. And I guess I'd just like to start off by saying that while t…”

2023/24 budget and council tax set

Council approved the 2023/24 budget, including a 2.99% council tax increase, efficiency savings, increased fees and charges, and use of reserves to protect frontline services. The budget also committe…

“Thank you chair so the mayor as proposer of the budget will be allowed to speak for up to 20 minutes councilor Bell as leader of the labor group will …”

Pay policy approved

Members approved the annual council pay policy statement, which sets out senior officer remuneration and pay ratios, including transparency over bonuses, redundancy and retirement payments. The discus…

“This is not clever sorry it's here I can't how do I get to the other one I don't want that would excuse me I do apologize I had it open just as I lift…”

Shared HR service with St Albans

Council approved a shared Human Resources and Organisational Development service with St Albans City Council. The business case is mainly about resilience and preparing for local government reform, wi…

“I will take council to bring the proposal for Watford Bough Council and St. Auburn City Council to to proceed to a shared service offering for human r…”