Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D L Steadman and Mrs K Trott and from co-opted member Mr B Lee.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Tenancy Board meeting held on 21 January 2013

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the Housing Tenancy Board held on 21 January 2013 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 consider a report by the Director of Community on the review of the Annual Housing Work Programme for 2012/13 and final consideration of the draft Work Programme for 2013/14

The Board considered a report by the Director of Community on the review of the Annual Housing Work Programme for 2012/13 and final consideration of the draft Work Programme for 2013/14.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  the outcomes of the work programme for 2012/13, together with the revisions stated, be noted;

(b)  the proposed work programme for 2013/14, together with the revisions stated, attached as Appendix A to these minutes, be approved; and

(c)  the proposed work programme for 2013/14 be submitted to the Executive for endorsement.

To consider a report by the Director of Community on the Estate Improvements Programme 2013/14

The Board considered a report by the Director of Community on the Estate Improvements Programme 2013/14.

The Board asked for clarification on the reasons why there is scheduled removal of drying areas at various locations. The Tenancy Services Manager explained that the majority of drying areas are redundant and are being removed to prevent the area from being used as a dumping ground and to deter anti-social behaviour. The drying areas will be completely removed and laid to grass, which is hoped will help to improve the appearance of the area.

Issues were also raised concerning a possible previously proposed landscaping scheme at Lower Bellfield and on-going issues with the bin stores at Spencer Court. The Tenancy Services Manager will investigate these issues and report back to the co-opted tenant reps that raised the question.

It was AGREED that the board noted the content of the report and support the schemes identified within the report.

To consider a report by the Director of Community concerning a review of the Tenancy Agreements

The Board considered a report by the Director of Community concerning a review of the current Tenancy Agreements with a view to making proposals on the way forward for further consideration by the Board.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  the content of the report be noted; and

(b)  the Board nominates Mrs P Weaver as the tenant representative for the Member and Officer Joint Working Group.

To consider a report by the Director of Community on an update to the Homeswapper Scheme

The Board considered a report by the Director of Community which gave an update on the Council’s participation with the Homeswapper Scheme.

The Tenancy Services Manager showed the Board the Homeswapper website and explained how it worked both for the Tenancy Services Division and for the Housing Tenants. The Board noted the positive progress the Council had made with the scheme, and recognised the importance it will have once the changes to benefits come into effect in April.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  the content of the report is noted; and

(b)  the Board endorsed the proposal that the Council continues to subscribe to Homeswapper.