Agenda and minutes

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

In the absence of the Chairman, the meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chairman, Councillor S Dugan.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 07 March 2019.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 07 March 2019 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements made at this meeting.

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 Deputy Chief Executive Officer which presents the Draft Affordable Housing Strategy Consultation document for Members’ consideration.

The Panel considered a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which provided an overview of the Draft Affordable Housing Strategy that has been put out for consultation.

Members were invited to put forward any comments for inclusion in the referral document back to the Executive once the consultation period on the document has closed.

Members commented positively about the strategy, noting that it was very easy and understandable to read. 

Referencing page 23 of the document, Members questioned whether a household with an income of £80,000 could be considered in need of affordable housing.  Officers explained that the income brackets referred to are official figures set by central government.

In considering the final paragraph of objective 2 on page 32, Members enquired whether there has been any improvement in the accountability of partnership Affordable Housing Providers. Officers advised that whilst there have been some issues to address, the Council will continue to work positively with these partners, who have access to considerable levels of funding, to ensure that affordable homes are provided in Fareham.

To consider any item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel that falls under the remit of the Housing Portfolio.  This will include any decisions taken by the Executive Member during the same time period.

The Panel considered the Executive items of business which fall under the remit of the Housing portfolio, including individual Executive Member decisions, that have taken place since the last meeting of the Panel.

There were no points for clarification raised by Members in respect of this item.

There were no points for clarification raised by Members in respect of this item.

There were no points for clarification raised by Members in respect of this item.

To receive an update by the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead which provides Members with an update on Affordable Housing.

Members received a presentation by the Strategic Lead for Affordable Housing which provided the Panel with an update on the progress being made in developing the key sites that are being led by Fareham Housing.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

The presentation gave an overview of the stages reached for each of the sites. Assheton Court has now been added to Tranche #3 and is at the concept/ideas stage. Contractors are on site at Hampshire Rose and Bridge Road, Architects have been appointed at Sea Lane and Wynton Way, planning permission will soon be submitted at Stubbington Lane, new plans are being finalised at Station Road and a possible partner is being sought to help deliver Coldeast Scout Hut.

Members commented that the ability to deliver Affordable Housing depends on funding and that they would be interested to see the financial plans for delivering these sites.  The Deputy Chief Executive Officer advised that the funding arrangements are clearly outlined in the Capital plans that were approved by the Executive earlier this month and are available for Members to review should they wish to do so.

To consider a report and presentation by the Head of Housing and Benefits which measures achievement against the existing Homelessness Strategy and puts forward for consideration the objectives for inclusion in the new draft Homelessness Strategy Consultation document.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits which measures achievement against the existing Homelessness Strategy and puts forward for consideration the objectives for inclusion in the new draft Homelessness Strategy Consultation document.

Members were given the opportunity to consider and comment upon the proposed objectives before they are used to produce a draft homelessness strategy which will be presented to the Executive in September for approval to undertake a period of public consultation.

Members commented and agreed that the report was excellent work and that the proposed objectives, whilst high level, are very worthy and well done.

To consider a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits on the Draft Allocations Policy Consultation document.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits on the Draft Allocations Policy Consultation document.

Members commented that there might be a better way to categorise the different levels of housing need so that the hierarchy of need was less obvious.  They also felt that avoiding the use of the term waiting ”list” might help to move away from the perception that over time, people will automatically move up the list regardless of their level of need.

Members queried whether the wording used in paragraph 30.2 on page 79, sufficiently reflects all aspects of multiculturalism.

The Chairman thanked Officers for providing such well thought out and detailed reports.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the priorities for the Housing Scrutiny Panel.

Members considered the priorities for the Housing Scrutiny Panel and agreed that in order to fit in with the timing of information becoming available, the item to inform Members on proposed provision of affordable housing at Welborne and the item to inform Members of the intentions to provide affordable housing through the new Local Plan be deferred to the March meeting.

Members also requested that a brief presentation on the funding arrangements of the Affordable Housing projects be brought to a future meeting of the Panel.