Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor G Fazackarley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 05 November 2020.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 05 November 2020 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 the meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at the meeting.

To consider any item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel that falls under the remit of the Housing Portfolio.  This will include any decisions taken by the Executive Member during the same time period.

There were no questions or comments for clarification.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel considered this item of business discharged by the Executive.

To receive a presentation by the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead on progress with Fareham Housing sites and other relevant strategic housing matters.

The Panel received a presentation by the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead which updated Members on the progress being made with Fareham Housing sites and other relevant strategic housing matters.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

RESOLVED that the Affordable Housing update be noted and that the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead be thanked for providing a very interesting and informative presentation.

To consider the draft Fareham Housing Regeneration Strategy before it is considered by the Council’s Executive.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor P J Davies addressed the Panel on this item.

The Panel considered a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which presented the Draft Fareham Housing Regeneration Strategy for Members to scrutinise prior to it being presented to the Executive in March.

Members were very supportive of the draft Strategy, commenting that it incorporates many of the issues that have previously been raised by the Panel.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel considered the draft Fareham Housing Regeneration Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the report, in advance of it being presented to the Executive for approval in March.

To consider the Fareham Borough Council Social Housing Rents Policy before it is considered by the Council’s Executive.

The Panel considered a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which presented the Draft Fareham Borough Council Social Housing Rents Policy for Members to scrutinise prior to it being presented to the Executive in March.

Members were very supportive of the draft report, commenting that information is set out in a very clear and concise manner so that it is easily understandable. Members were also pleased that the policy will have a positive effect on the Housing Revenue Account.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel considered the draft Fareham Borough Council Social Housing Rents Policy, attached as Appendix A to the report, in advance of it being presented to the Executive for approval in March.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Housing and Benefits on key staffing posts within the Fareham Housing Team.

The Panel received a presentation by the Head of Housing and Benefits which provided Members with an overview of the key staffing posts in Fareham Housing.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix B.

RESOLVED that the Staffing update be noted and that the Head of Housing and Benefits be thanked for providing a very informative presentation.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Housing Panel.

Members considered and discussed the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel.

RESOLVED that the following items be added to the Scrutiny Priorities Plan for the Housing Scrutiny Panel:

(a)  a post Covid-19 update on the impact of the pandemic on the number of rough sleepers in the Borough and on Housing finances.

(b)  a report in late 2021/early 2022 outlining the numbers on the Housing Register and explaining how the Register is managed.

(c)  an update in February 2022 on the success and impact of the new Housing Software.