Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs K Mandry.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 08 March 2018.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 08 March 2018 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 receive a presentation by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing on the Achievements, Priorities and Challenges for the Panel.

The Panel received a presentation from the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which informed Members of the main activities of Fareham Housing, its key achievements in the previous year and outlined the priorities for the next municipal year and beyond.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

Members were very positive about the creation of the new Fareham Housing department and commented that an excellent team has been put in place to deliver housing related services across the Borough.

The Panel raised concern that the cap on Local Authority Housing Revenue Account borrowing makes it more difficult to increase the supply of housing.  Following discussion, it was agreed that the Executive Member for Housing would write to the Minister of State for Housing to put forward the view that the borrowing cap should be removed.

The Managing Director of Fareham Housing was thanked for providing a very interesting and informative presentation and it was AGREED that the content of the presentation be noted.

To consider the annual report by the Head of Housing and Benefits on the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme.

The Panel received a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits which provided information and detail about the use of the Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme for the financial year ending 31 March 2018.

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

To consider a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing, which invites the Panel to review the work programme for 2018/19.

The Panel considered a report by the Managing Director of Fareham Housing which reviewed the Panel’s Work Programme for 2018/19.

Members enquired when they could expect the unallocated items from the work programme to be included in the schedule of meetings.  The Managing Director of Fareham Housing advised members that it would not be appropriate to schedule the unallocated items until the overall Housing Strategy for the Borough has been approved by the Executive and adopted by full Council.

Following discussion regarding Housing Association tenancy services, it was agreed that officers would invite the relevant representatives to attend a future meeting of the Panel to provide an update on services provided.

Having reviewed the Work Programme for the year 2018/19 it was AGREED that:

(a)  an item extending an invitation to a Housing Association to attend a Panel meeting to provide an update on their services be added to the 2018/19 Work Programme as an unallocated item; and

(b)  subject to (a) above, the Panel approves the Work Programme for 2018/19.