Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor B Bayford.

Councillor F W Birkett was not present at the start of the meeting.  In the absence of both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley was invited to chair the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 25 May 2017.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 25 May 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

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 this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

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

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

Councillor F W Birkett arrived at the meeting during consideration of this item (6.10pm) and took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

Members were advised that as a result of issues highlighted by the Grenfell Tower disaster, officers are undertaking reviews of fire safety risk assessments carried out on Council owned properties in the Borough and will work with partnership agencies on work to be done in the coming months.  A special edition of the tenant’s’ newsletter has been produced and circulated to tenants to highlight fire safety issues and provide fire prevention guidance.

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

To consider a report by the Director of Operations, which invites the Panel to review the work programme for 2017/18.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviewed the Panel’s Work Programme for 2017/18.

In response to Members’ questions regarding ASPECT developments, Councillor Mrs K Mandry, Executive Member for Housing, addressed the Panel on this item.

The Director of Operations advised that following a presentation by Two Saints at a recent Scrutiny Board meeting, the Update on Homelessness will now be brought to the November meeting of the Panel.

Members requested that an update on Fire Issues and Precautions be brought to the November meeting of the Panel.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  the Update on Homelessness be added to the Work Programme report for the meeting scheduled to take place in November;

(b)  an Update on Fire Issues and Precautions be added to the Work Programme report for the meeting scheduled to take place in November; and

(c)  the Panel notes the content of the report.