Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 16 January 2014.

The Chairman addressed the Panel on this item to give an update on item 7 of the minutes, regarding the Homeswapper Event that was held at Ferneham Hall on 4 February 2014. 20 residents attended the event, with the majority of them being tenants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy (RSRS). During the event there were 4 applications made for the discretionary housing payment, 2 of which were successful, 1 unsuccessful and 1 which resulted in an increase in their benefit payment. 3 tenants also registered on the Homeswapper site. Although there were no swaps made during the event, it was felt that the event was a worthwhile exercise and it is hoped that it will be repeated in the future.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel held on 16 January 2014, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed Caroline Holmes, Head of Revenue and Benefits, to the meeting and explained to the Panel that Caroline will now be attending the Panel meetings in her newly appointed role of Head of Housing, Revenue and Benefits.

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 verbal report by the Executive Member for Health and Housing on Local Strategic Health Issues.

The Panel received a verbal report by the Director of Community on local strategic health issues. He informed the panel that the Executive Member for Health and Housing had recently attended the Clinical Commissioning Group meeting, in which there were two important papers presented to the Group.

The first paper was concerning the Better Care Fund which should come into effect by 2015/16, the second paper was concerning the Clinical Commissioning Group’s 5 year plan which will focus on health improvements across Fareham and Gosport.

The Director of Community advised the Panel that the Chairman of the Clinical Commissioning Group has offered to attend a future meeting of the Panel.

It was AGREED that the Director of Community be thanked for his report.

To receive a presentation by the Director of Community on the Fareham Passive House Scheme.

The Panel received a presentation by the Senior Housing Officer (Enabling) which gave an update on three proposed housing schemes.

The Panel were shown plans of the proposed 2 bedroom “passivhaus” properties in Coldeast Close. It was explained to the Panel that the properties are simplistic in design in order for the properties to be affordable to build. Questions were asked as to how the properties were to be heated. It was explained to members that the construction method used in building the properties would ensure that the properties were very well insulated, had cold bridging and no air gaps, this would help ensure that once occupied they should maintain a temperature of between 18-20°c without the need for additional heating. Each property would be equipped with a mechanical heat recovery system and additional top up heating; the type of top up heating to be provided is yet to be decided.

The Panel was also shown plans for a new proposed sheltered housing scheme at Coldeast, which is currently in for planning permission. The scheme is proposing to contain 11 two bed properties and 25 one bed properties. The Panel commented that the proposed development was well placed and attractive however concern was raised in regards to parking, as it was felt that there is not the provision in the plans for adequate parking.

An update was also given on the proposed scheme in Palmerston Avenue for 16 flats. Members were informed that the original planning application for this development has been withdrawn as concern was raised by the Planning Committee that there was no provision for parking. The plans for this scheme have now been revised but as yet no planning applications have been submitted.

It was AGREED that the Senior Housing Officer (Enabling) be thanked for his presentation.

To consider a verbal report by the Director of Community on an update on Collingwood Court.

The Panel considered a verbal report by the Director of Community which gave an update on Collingwood Court.

The Director of Community informed the Panel that the building has now been officially named as Collingwood Court and that a stone dedicated to the late Alderman Crouch has been laid on the site by his wife. The project is currently about 6 weeks behind schedule; this was due to the long spell of bad weather at the beginning of the year. However completion of the new building is still planned for March 2015.

It was AGREED that the Director of Community be thanked for his verbal report.

To consider a report by the Director of Community on the Homelessness Strategy 2014-17.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community on the Homelessness Strategy for 2014-17.

The Panel were given an overview of the changes to the homelessness strategy since 2010. The report gave details of the changes that have occurred since the 2010 strategy was produced; the achievements made from the action plan set out in the 2010 strategy and outlined the main priorities for 2014-17.

The Panel discussed the issue of rough sleepers which has become more apparent recently. It was explained to the Panel that 101 Gosport Road has now taken a tougher approach and excluding those who break the rules for longer periods of time.

It was AGREED that the Panel recommend to the Executive that the draft Homelessness and Housing Options Strategy for 2014-17 and Action Plan, as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.

To consider a report by the Director of Community, which invites the Panel to review the work programme for 2013/14 and the draft work programme for 2014/15.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which gave a final review of the Work Programme for 2013/14 and the draft Work Programme for 2014/15.

Members were reminded that due to the Annual Council meeting taking place in late May, the Panel meeting scheduled for 8 May 2014 falls within the current municipal year. the first meeting of the new municipal year will therefore take place on17 July 2014. In light of this, it was proposed that the meeting scheduled for 8 May 2014 be cancelled.

Members were asked to note the proposed work programme for 2014/15 as set out in Appendix C of the report, and were invited to make suggestions for inclusions onto the work programme. The following items were suggested:

·       Update on Rent Arrears

·       Condition of Housing Stock

·       Presentation by Chairman of Clinical Commissioning Group on the CCG 5 Year Plan

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  the outcomes of the Panel’s work programme for 2013/14 be noted;

(b)  the proposed work programme for 2014/15, with the addition of the suggested items above,  as shown in Appendix A attached to these minutes be approved; and

(c)  the proposed work programme for 2014/15, be submitted to the Council for endorsement.

(d)  the Panel meeting scheduled for 8 May 2014 be cancelled.

APPENDIX A

HEALTH AND HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW PANEL

PROPOSED WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2014/15

Unallocated Items:     Update on Rent Arrears

                                   Condition of Housing Stock

                                 Presentation by the Chairman of the Clinical

                                   Commissioning Group on the CCG 5 Year Plan