The motion was moved by Councillor McLean and seconded by Councillor Ormrod.

The Labour amendment as set out in agenda item 26 was moved by Councillor Whelton and seconded by Councillor Draper.

Councillor McGrath spoke on the item.

The Labour amendment was put to a vote and was carried – votes in favour: 29, votes against: 25, abstentions: 0.

The substantive motion (as amended) was put to the vote and carried – votes in favour: 29, votes against: 24, abstentions: 1.

RESOLVED:

Council notes that in September 2014 the Labour administration and Circle Housing Merton Priory (the predecessor of Clarion Housing) agreed the ‘ten commitments’ that would guide the future regeneration work. The ‘ten commitments’ are:

1. Circle Housing Merton Priory will consult with residents, consider their interests at all times, and address concerns fairly;

2. Current home owners will be entitled to at least the market value of their homes should they wish to take up the option to sell their homes to Circle Housing Merton Priory;

3. Current tenants will be entitled to be rehoused in a new home of appropriate size considering the number of people in the household;

4. Existing Circle Housing Merton Priory tenants will keep all their rights and have the same tenancy agreement, including rent levels, in the new neighbourhood as they do now;

5. All new properties will be more energy efficient and easier to heat than existing properties, helping to keep down residents’ fuel bills;

6. Circle Housing Merton Priory will keep disruption to a minimum, and will do all it can to ensure that residents only move once if it is necessary to house residents temporarily while their new home is being built;

7. Circle Housing Merton Priory will offer extra help and support for older people and/or disabled residents throughout the renovation works;

8. Circle Housing Merton Priory will continue to maintain the homes of residents across the three neighbourhoods throughout the planning process until regeneration starts, including ensuring a high quality responsive repairs service;

9. Any growth in the number of homes will be in accordance with the council’s own Development Plan so that it is considered, responsible and suitable for the area;

10. As a not for profit organization, Circle Housing Merton Priory will not profit from any regeneration and will use any surplus to provide more housing or improve existing neighbourhoods.

Council commends the Labour administration for signing up to these commitments and for ensuring that the pledges have been predominantly implemented, notes the recent concerns about Clarion’s repair service and the administration’s determination for Clarion to maintain homes effectively as well as undertaking regeneration. It calls upon the cabinet to declare its commitment to these principles in working with what is now Clarion Housing, alongside continuing engagement with residents of the estates to develop policies that local people can have confidence in.

Council also supports the determination of the administration and Clarion to regenerate the three estates despite the scheme being in deficit due to economic factors, and welcomes the proposal to use up to £72million by reinvesting money which would be due to the Council from private sales which will enable the estates to be rebuilt, provide additional social homes, and help deal with overcrowding issues.