Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 17 November 2016.

Members noted the request under agenda item 8 of the previous meeting for information to be made available regarding the number of empty properties in private ownership that have been renovated under the Council’s scheme to make them habitable for Council leasing.  The Head of Housing, Revenues and Benefits reported that only one property has been identified as suitable for the scheme and this is currently in the process of being renovated.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 17 November 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman reported that the annual number of rough sleepers across the Borough has increased from 6 to 18. The Housing Team is aware of the names and localities of each of these individuals and works with a variety of agencies to support them. The Chairman commented that there would be a need to closely monitor numbers due to the significant increase.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a verbal update by the Chairman of the Health & Housing Policy Development and Review Panel on Local Strategic Health Issues.

The Panel received a verbal update from the Chairman on local health issues.

The Chairman reported that he attended a meeting of the Fareham & Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group (F&GCCG) recently where on-going issues relating to the Fareham Community hospital were discussed.  Problems relating to the management and reporting structure at the hospital have still not been resolved.  The F&GCCG will discuss this further at the MP Task Force meeting that is due to be held on 03 February 2017 to discuss possible solutions.

To receive a presentation from the Health Protection Principal from Hampshire County Council, on Hampshire’s Joint Strategy Needs Assessment.

The Panel received a presentation from Darren Carmichael, Health Protection Principal at Hampshire County Council, on Hampshire’s Joint Strategy Needs Assessment (JSNA) which included a Public Health Update for Fareham Borough Council. 

The presentation updated the Panel on the key issues that were identified for Fareham in the 2015 JSNA. This included the significant increase in the number of residents aged 85 or over and the corresponding likelihood of them having greater healthcare needs.  This increase (and the relative reduction in the working age population) will mean that the role of the voluntary sector will be critical in developing resilience in local communities.

The presentation also covered the role of Public Health England in tackling local health priorities, explaining that annual health profiles for each local authority are published. These give a good indication of the health issues affecting the population in the area and highlight emerging issues that need to be addressed.  Local Priorities for Fareham are alcohol related diseases, cancer, healthy ageing, mental health and influencing health systems.

It was AGREED that Darren Carmichael be thanked for his informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations on Council Housing Repairs and Maintenance.

The Panel received a report by the Director of Operations on Council Housing Repairs and Maintenance.

Following discussion regarding the provision of a small number of additional off road parking spaces at various locations, Members requested that details of the locations be obtained and appended to the minutes.  The relevant locations are:

Sites where parking improvements have been made in 2016/17

·         Marks Road, Stubbington

·         Thorni Avenue, North West Fareham

·         Nashe Way, North West Fareham

·         Nelson Court, Fort Fareham Road, South East Fareham

·         Minden House, Redlands Lane, South East Fareham

Sites identified for parking improvements in 2017/18

·         Birchen Close, Park Gate

·         King George Road, Portchester

It was AGREED that Members note the content of the report.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations, which gives a preliminary overall review of the Panel’s Work Programme 2016/17 and the draft Work Programme 2017/18.  

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations on a preliminary review of the Work Programme 2016/17 and the draft Work Programme for 2017/18.

Following discussion regarding Central Government funding to tackle homelessness and an unsuccessful bid by the Council to secure a share of this funding it was agreed that an update on Homelessness in the Borough would be provided at the next meeting.

Members were encouraged to consider any further items for inclusion on the 2017/18 Work Programme at the next meeting.

It was AGREED that Members:-

(a)  note the Work Programme 2016/17, attached as Appendix A to the report; and

(b)  give initial consideration to the draft Work Programme for 2017/18 attached as Appendix B to the report.