Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lanie Shears.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any items on the agenda.

Councillor Jodi Dunne declared a pecuniary interest as a council appointed director of HTS Group and HTS (Property and Environment) Ltd.

Councillor Kay Morrison declared a pecuniary interest as a council appointed director of HTS (Housing and Regeneration) Ltd.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2023 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

Councillor Swords said the report on updated governance arrangements would now go to Cabinet.

To review the Sub Committee’s work plan

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted.

The Sub Committee received a report on HTS’ operational performance.

It was agreed that more detail on complaints to the Ombudsman would be provided to the Sub Committee.

RESOLVED that the Sub Committee noted the report.

The Sub Committee received a report on HTS’ financial performance.

It was agreed that more detail on overheads and costs would be provided to the Sub Committee.

RESOLVED that the Sub Committee noted the report and Shareholder Statement (attached as Appendix A to the report).

The Sub Committee received a report which set out HTS’ strategic risk register.

The Sub Committee agreed that the risks on the register needed to be reviewed. The format they were presented to the Sub Committee in should also be reexamined.

RESOLVED that consideration of the report be deferred so the Risk Register could be reviewed.

The Sub Committee considered a report on the disposal of five properties held by HTS (Housing and Regeneration) Ltd.

RESOLVED that:

A    The Sub Committee noted the progress outlined in the report.

B    The Sub Committee approved Option 1 as set out in the report as the preferred option for the disposal of the properties held by HTS (H&R) Ltd and requests that the HTS (H&R) Ltd Board ratifies this approach.

C    Following the approval by the HTS (H&R) Ltd Board, the company should then expediate the sale of the two market rental properties on the open property market with existing use restrictions and that the remaining three properties are sold to Harlow Council again under existing use restriction.

D    On completion of the sales the shareholder required HTS (H&R) Ltd to repay the outstanding loan associated with the original purchase of the five properties.

E     The Sub Committee noted that there will be Capital financing implications resulting from the preferred option set out in this report. The capital financing arrangements to facilitate the delivery of the preferred option will be agreed through the Cabinet meeting to be held on 30 November 2023.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.

27 March 2024.

27 March 2023.