Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence given at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 04 February 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 04 February 2021 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 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.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

There were no questions or comments for clarification in respect of this item.

To receive a presentation by the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead on progress with Fareham Housing Sites and other relevant strategic housing matters.             

The Panel received a presentation by the affordable Housing Strategic Lead which updated Members on the progress being made with Fareham Housing sites and other relevant strategic housing matters. A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

Members commented that they were particularly pleased with the success of the Bridge Road development and the additional support it will bring to the occupants of Two Saints.

RESOLVED that the Affordable Housing update be noted and that the Affordable Housing Strategic Lead be thanked for providing a very interesting and informative presentation.

To receive a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which provides the Panel with an update on the Affordable Housing Strategy which was adopted by the Executive at its meeting on 07 October 2019.

The Panel received a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer which provided Members with an update on the Affordable Housing Strategy which was adopted by the Executive at its meeting on 07 October 2019.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the progress already made against the objectives and actions of the Affordable Housing Strategy, and the work to still be done.

To receive a report by the Head of Environmental Health which presents the draft Policy on Assistance with Home Adaptations, Repairs and Improvements for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel received a report by the Head of Environmental Health which presented the draft policy on Assistance with Home Adaptations, Repairs and Improvements for consideration.

RESOLVED that the Housing Scrutiny Panel recommends the draft Assistance with Home Adaptations, Repairs and Improvements Policy to the Executive for approval.

To receive a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits which provides the Panel with an update on the use of successful Homelessness funding bids.

The Panel received a report by the Head of Housing and Benefits which provided Members with an update on the use of successful homelessness funding bids.

As this was the last Housing Scrutiny Panel of the current municipal year, several members put forward their thanks to the Fareham Housing team for all the hard work and dedication that has been put into delivering Housing services to residents. 

RESOLVED that, the Housing Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the report.

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

The Panel considered and discussed the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel.

Members raised concern about the level of service being provided by Housing Associations as they have received some complaints from residents.  As the majority of these residents have been nominated to the properties by the Council, it was agreed that this is an area that needs further scrutiny.  Therefore  a report will be brought to a future meeting of the Panel to outline the responsibilities of social landlords and explain how the delivery of these responsibilities are measured.

RESOLVED that scrutiny of Housing Association services be added to the Priorities for the Panel in the forthcoming Municipal year.