Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 18 January 2018.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 18 January 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman extended his thanks and best wishes to retiring Councillors Bayford and Steadman for their service to the Panel over the years.

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 receive a presentation by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which outlines the Fareham Housing Business Plan and Housing Strategy.

The Panel received a presentation by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which outlined the Fareham Housing Strategy.  A copy of the presentation is attached as Appendix A to these minutes for information.

The presentation outlined that Fareham Housing will bring together all aspects of housing within the borough to provide affordable and sustainable solutions for residents with a focus on those whose needs are not currently being met through existing provision. A document was tabled for Members’ information which gives an overview of how this will be achieved. A copy of this document is attached as Appendix B to these minutes for information.

The Managing Director of Fareham Housing provided an overview of the proposed staffing restructure of the department and highlighted the key changes.  This included the creation of a new Affordable Housing Strategic Lead post that will provide leadership and focus on driving forward the delivery of affordable housing in the borough.  A copy of the job description for this role was tabled for Members’ information and is attached as Appendix C to these minutes.    A full copy of the proposed restructure, which is currently under consultation, was provided to Members and a copy is attached as Appendix D to these minutes for information.

Members were advised that the next stage of the process will be to prepare and present the Fareham Housing Business Plan. This will come forward from the new overall Housing Strategy which is part of the Council’s Corporate Strategy and is now almost ready to present for approval.

The Managing Director of Fareham Housing was thanked for a very informative presentation and for the work that has been done so far in this existing new venture.

To consider a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing on Tenancy Management Performance.

With the agreement of the Chairman, this item was brought forward in the agenda and heard as item 6.

The Panel considered a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which provided Members with information about the housing management services covered by the Tenancy Services Team.  The report included information about Housing Rent Collection, Tenancy Management, Estate Management, Leasehold Management and a summary of the current tenant arrears position.

The Tenancy Services Manager highlighted key points of the report and answered Members questions accordingly.

It was AGREED that the Panel notes the information contained within the report.

To consider a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which invites the Panel to review the overall progress against the Work Programme for 2017/18 and finalise the proposed Work Programme for 2018/19.

The Panel considered a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which gave a final review of the current Work Programme 2017/18 and the proposed Work Programme for 2018/19.

Having reviewed the Work Programme for the current year 2017/18, as attached as Appendix A to the report, it was AGREED that the Panel:

(a)  approves the proposed Work Programme for 2018/19 as attached as Appendix C to the report; and

(b)  agrees to submit the proposed Work Programme for 2018/19 to Council for endorsement.