Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor N R Gregory.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 16 September 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 16 September 2021 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 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 in respect of this item.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

To receive a report by the Head of Housing Delivery which outlines the current position with Fareham Housing development sites.

The Panel received a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which outlined the current position with Fareham Housing Sites.

The Panel was updated in respect of the sites at Capella Close and Sir Randal Cremer House as the Section 278 agreements with Hampshire County Council Highways have now reached technical approval stage; Queens Road as a revised planning application has been submitted to reduce the parking provision at the site; Sea Lane as the deed of variation with Homes England has now been agreed in principle; and Wynton Way as Hampshire County Council has confirmed that it will not be disposing of the Kershaw Centre.

Members commented that they were pleased that the Council is able to provide new homes across the Borough, particularly the much-needed provision at Gordon Road.  The Fareham Housing team was commended for the hard work that has gone into achieving this.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Housing and Benefits which outlines the responsibilities of social housing providers and measurement of service delivery.

The Panel received a presentation by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which informed members of the responsibilities of social housing providers and the measurement of service delivery. 

The presentation outlined the definition of social housing providers, how they are regulated, how standards are applied, what action can be taken when things go wrong and how members can assist residents who ask for help.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer was thanked for providing a very helpful and informative report.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report. 

To receive a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits which outlines the cleaning contract standards for Council owned flats in the Borough and explains how these standards are monitored.

The Panel received a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which outlined the cleaning contract standards for Council owned flats in the Borough and explained how these standards are monitored.

Members sought, and received, assurances that the window cleaning service standards will continue to be monitored to ensure that improvements are maintained.

Thanks were put forward to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for an excellent and informative report and for all the help and advice given to members by the Fareham Housing Team in resolving issues for residents.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

To receive a report which provides an update for Members on the First Homes Scheme.

The Panel received a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which provided members with an update on the First Homes Scheme.

Members were supportive of the proposals outlined in the report in terms of local and national eligibility criteria and discussed whether there would be an opportunity for the Panel to pre-scrutinise the draft policy before it is considered by the Executive for approval. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer advised members that due to the short timescale involved, it is intended that an interim policy will be produced which will only include local connection eligibility criteria.  Further research will then be carried out around affordability and cap implications as more information about the scheme emerges.  On this basis, the Panel agreed that pre-scrutiny of the interim policy would not be required.

RESOLVED that having asked questions and made comments for clarification, The Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

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 and agreed that there were no amendments to the Priorities required at the present time.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Priorities Plan be noted.