Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors Mrs K K Trott and G Fazackarley.

An apology of absence was also received from Councillor B Bayford, Executive Member for Health and Housing who asked the Director of Community to update the Panel on the outcomes of the recent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) meeting, which were:

A report was presented to the CCG on a review of cardiovascular services. Following the report the likely recommendation will be that all cardiovascular services are dealt with at Southampton General Hospital.

It was reported to the CCG that there were concerns from residents who were registered with GP practices outside of the Borough and CCG area regarding access to health visitors and nursing services.

Councillor Bayford would like members to share with him any health complaints or issues that they are informed of by residents so that he can address these with at the CCG meetings.

Members raised concerns over the increasing problem of patients accessing GP appointments at their local surgeries and the impact that this is having on the A&E departments at local hospitals. The Director of Community addressed the Panel to inform them that Councillor Bayford continues to address this issue with the Clinical Commissioning Group.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 12 September 2013.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel held on 12 September be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman addressed the Panel regarding the sad news of the passing of Alderman Ernest Crouch. The Panel’s thoughts are with his family.

The Chairman also highlighted to the Panel, the Homelessness Event taking place in Ferneham Hall on 9^th December 2013.

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 or disclosures of advice or direction 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 from the Community Development Manager providing details of a recent Public Health Grant funding application submitted by the Council in respect of Fareham Park.

The Panel received a presentation from the Community Development Manager on a recent Public Health Grant funding application submitted by the Council in respect of Fareham Park.

The presentation provided members with information on the public health and well-being funding bid submitted by the Council for use in the Fareham Park area and which will specifically focus on young people in this neighbourhood. The presentation explained that the Fareham Park area was chosen because it ranks in the top 3% nationally for skills deprivation and that the Fareham Park Project is a key corporate priority for the Council.

The presentation gave information on the Fareham Park ‘Clued up 2 Go’ project which aims to provide support to young people through three key areas;

1.     the establishment of accessible health and wellbeing sessions including sexual health screening and drug and alcohol services,

2.     the development of neighbourhood youth opportunities; and

3.     initiatives and opportunities to challenge attitudes towards domestic violence and improving relationships among young people.

The Panel were also informed that there will be opportunity for second phase in the New Year to bid for funding for other initiatives.

It was AGREED that the Community Development Manager be thanked for her comprehensive presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Community on the Allocations Policy Six Month Review.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which gave a Six Month Review of the Allocations Policy.

The Housing Options Manager presented the report to the Panel and highlighted the proposed changes to the allocations policy and the reasons for them.

The Panel expressed concern over the quality of medical information being provided by GP’s in respect of medical applications and over the cost being charged for this information, and requested that Councillor Bayford address this issue with the Clinical Commissioning Group.

It was AGREED that the Panel approves the proposed amendments to the Allocations Policy, for these to be subject to consultation before implementation on 1 April 2014.

To consider a report by the Director of Community on a review of Homelessness and Rough Sleeping in the Borough.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which reviewed homelessness for the past year and outlined the approach to preparing the next Homelessness and Housing Options Strategy for the period 2014-2017.

The Panel asked how the Strategic Housing division is dealing with the increasing number of parental evictions. It was explained to the Panel that a more active approach in dealing with parental evictions has been adopted by the Housing Options team with the Housing Options Officers working more closely with families to try and prevent these evictions.

It was AGREED that the content of the report be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Community, which invites the Panel to review the Work Programme for 2013/14.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which reviewed the Work Programme for 2013/14.

The Panel were informed that since the report had been published a further change to the work programme had been made, and that the report due in January 2014 on the New Tenancy Agreement has now been moved to the March 2014 meeting.

It was AGREED that, subject to the revisions above, the Work Programme for 2013/14 as set out in Appendix A of the report, be approved.