Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel meeting held on 26 May 2016

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel held on 26 May 2016 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 verbal report by the Chairman of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel on Local Strategic Health Issues.

The Panel received a presentation from the Chairman to give new members an overview of the role of the Panel with regards to Health within the Borough.

The presentation outlined the NHS Services available to residents, which include:

·         Fareham & Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group

·         Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

·         University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

·         Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

·         Care UK & St Mary’s Treatment Centre

·         South Central Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust

·         NHS England (South)

The Chairman also highlighted areas of concern, with members again voicing unease at the on-going management co-operation issues with the Fareham Community Hospital.  The Chairman echoed this anxiety, re-assuring the Panel that the Task Group set up by Suella Fernandes MP is making good progress and undertaking to update members at future meetings on any developments.

It was AGREED that the Chairman be thanked for his presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations on the Annual Review of the Homelessness Strategy

The Panel received a brief presentation by the Senior Housing Officer (Options) and considered a report by the Director of Operations on the Annual Review of the Homelessness Strategy 2014-17.

The report and presentation gave details about the objectives within the Strategy and the progress being made.  It also highlighted how the Vanguard intervention has changed the way that some areas of the service are being delivered and how this has affected the progress of some objectives.

Members enquired about the use of private landlords and raised concerns about the costs involved.  The Senior Housing Officer (Options) advised the Panel that they have a good network of landlords that they work with closely so that fees and charges for tenants can be re-negotiated where necessary.

The Panel asked whether there are any empty properties across the Borough that could be re-invigorated for use. The Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits reported that this option is explored where properties are in areas that will meet customers’ needs.

It was AGREED:-

a)    that the Senior Housing Officer (Options) be thanked for their very informative presentation; and

b)    that the Panel notes the content of the report.

To receive a verbal update from the Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits on the Council’s Social and Affordable Housing Programme.

The Panel received a brief verbal update from The Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits on the Social and Affordable Housing Programme.  The following updates were provided:

·         Stevenson Court – which is due to be completed at the end of July and officers will shortly be working towards allocating customers into these properties.

·         Sylvan Court – is on target to complete early in the New Year.

The Chairman requested that arrangements be made for Members to visit both Stevenson Court and Collingwood Court to see the success of both of these completed projects.

It was AGREED that the Head of Housing, Revenues and Benefits be thanked for the verbal update.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits on the New Allocations Policy

The Panel received a presentation by the Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits on the New Allocations Policy.

The presentation detailed how the outcomes from the Vanguard interventions have resulted in the need to make changes to the New Allocations Policy. 

Members were notified of the proposed timetable for drafting the new policy which gives an extended period of consultation to ensure that residents have the opportunity to put forward their views on the new policy.

It was AGREED that the Head of Housing, Revenues & Benefits be thanked for their presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations, which invites the Panel to review the Work Programme for 2016/17

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviewed the Panel’s Work Programme for 2016/17.

The Director of Operations highlighted the revisions to the Work Programme which have been made in order to accommodate the drafting and consultation process of the New Allocations Policy and include an overview for Members of the Vanguard interventions when presenting the Council Housing Repairs & Maintenance Report.

It was AGREED that the Work Programme for 2016/17 be approved by the Panel.