Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 20 July 2017.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 20 July 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman advised Members that a special e-bulletin had been issued earlier in the day regarding a report that will be presented to Full Council on 12 October 2017 proposing a new senior management structure to take effect from 01 November 2017.  A key factor for driving this change is the growing need to manage the delivery of affordable housing across the Borough in a more coordinated and business-like way.  Members were advised to read the e-bulletin as soon as possible and to contact the Chairman with any questions.

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 Tenancy Management.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which provided Members with general information about the Council’s housing stock and staffing structures but also went into greater detail for five service areas (Sheltered Housing, Empty Property Management, Right to But, Mutual Exchanges, Kitchen/Bathroom Modernisations).  

Members were advised that if the proposed new senior management structure is approved by Council it will result in a more focussed, fully integrated Housing department.  In addition to managing the day to day operation of the Council’s housing services, the new department would consider a new approach to the provision of social and affordable housing to ensure that the right type of housing is delivered in the right areas based on demographic trends and population increases.   A report will be brought to Panel in due course to provide Members with more information regarding the aims and objectives of the new department.

Members were encouraged that future provision of new affordable housing will take account of residents’ needs and will be provided in locations where it is required, thus building on the good work already done to change the approach to new allocations to one of making sure that the right person is placed in the right property.

The Head of Housing, Revenue and Benefits provided some additional data to demonstrate how successful the new approach to allocating homes has been. There has been a significant reduction in the number of tenants falling into arrears with their rent or reporting repairs within the first few months of their tenancy.   

It was AGREED that the information contained in the report be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations on empty properties across the Borough.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which provided members with an update on the activities being undertaken to bring empty, private sector, properties across the Borough back in to residential use.

Councillor S Martin left the meeting during this item.

The Panel also received a presentation showing the clearing of an abandoned property in Larkspur Close and detailing the renovation work done to transform it into a habitable property that the Council will now be able to lease out.

Members enquired whether a large property in Stubbington, which has been empty for many years, could be brought back into use by the Council.  The Head of Housing, Revenue and Benefits advised that whilst decisions do need to be made regarding this property, its suitability for a leasing arrangement was questionable due to its size and significant renovation costs.    

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.

Members were invited to note that, as requested at the last meeting of the Panel, agenda items regarding Fire Issues and Precautions and an Update on Homelessness have been added to the meeting scheduled to take place on 16 November 2017.

Members were also invited to submit any further requests for additional items to be added to the Work Programme to the Chairman.

It was AGREED that the Panel notes and agrees the Work Programme for 2017/18.