Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services which gave an update on the Almshouses in Lambeth.

Members discussed the request for funding to equip the communal hall. The Chamberlain confirmed there was enough money left in the budget to cover these costs, and the Chairman asked for a costed list of equipment and furniture required. Members agreed that a donation of up to £5,000 should be made, with details provided on the costed list to be decided via delegated authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

In response to a Member’s query concerning tree roots, officers confirmed that there were ongoing issues that needed to be resolved before the road was resurfaced, and undertook to speak to the City Surveyor’s Department about the remedial works required. A Member reminded officers of a damaged wall at the Almshouses; officers advised that this had been pinned previously so posed no immediate danger, but confirmed that more substantive work on the wall was part of the 30 year programme of works in place.

With regard to the Almshouses gardener, Members noted he came 5 days each week, one of which was dedicated to the Gresham properties.

RESOLVED – That:

(a)  A donation of up to £5,000 be made to equip the communal hall appropriately, with details to be decided via delegated authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman;

(b)  The recommendation made by officers to the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee regarding eligibility criteria for applicants to City of London Almshouses Trust properties be noted and adopted for Gresham Almshouse applicants;

(c)  Housing officers liaise with the City Surveyor’s Department about the remedial works required to the tree roots; and

(d)  The report be noted.