Minutes:
Question
As a panel we were informed when at Hamilton House last year on the changeover, we were going to get apprenticeships to do the fencing and we were not going to buy anymore in because this way it would be cost effective. We understand this is not happened and would like to know the reason why.
Answer
There is a presumption that apprentices can be cheaper and this is not always correct as it might take them longer to carry out the work. Also the council has general labourers who can carry out some fencing work. The council also needs to make sure it develops apprentices and this will not happen if they just carry out fencing work.
Response
Would it be possible for students studying construction at college to gain work experience at the council.
Answer
Yes in principle and we would support this where possible.
Question
We completed a Tenant Void Inspection on the 16th of October 2017 at 108 Sincil Bank, this property is still empty and we understand you're going to use this for some other purpose is it possible you could explain, as this property is of good size and could accommodate a large family.
Answer
The property is being held back as a reserve property for a community hub on Sincil Bank as part of the regeneration project. It is not in the favoured location though as it is not in the best location and the council is currently trying to secure a property that is in a more prominent location on Sincil Bank.
Question
Last year the green bin price went up by £5 the tenants weren't informed of this, the panel has got great concern because the feedback that we have is, if it goes up again they will not continue with the service. So we are concerned about how residents will dispose of the garden rubbish, we feel this will encourage people to fly tip which is not acceptable, would he support for it to stay at the same price as last year?
Answer
The charge was introduced a few years ago to cover the cost of the service. This has been implemented on an incremental basis rather than the entire charge being put in place at the start.
Question
Because there's an increase regarding vermin on our Estates would he agree on a pilot system to make tenants aware of the issue? This would be to put out publicity advising tenants not to leave out food or rubbish because it can attract vermin. It would also advise tenants can be find if the state of their property attracts vermin.
Answer
All cases of vermin reported are treated on a case by case basis. If the vermin have been attracted due to the lifestyle of a resident the council can re-charge them. LTP members were also advised to report these issues straight away to the resident involvement team or Jo Sedgwick.
Response
The panel is concerned that housing officers don’t always have time to take action against properties that are attracting vermin.
Answer
LTP members were advised to report these cases to the Director of Housing through the Resident Involvement team.
Question
Because there's an increase regarding pets even though it does state on the tenancy agreements the allowed requirements. Would he agree on a pilot system to make tenants aware of their requirements regarding pets? This again would involve sending out publicity to remind tenants of their responsibilities towards pet ownership.
Answer?
Question
I understand with some sadness that we are losing assistant director Karen early the new year, will we get the opportunity sit in for the interviews regarding this post?
Answer
Yes Karen Talbot is leaving and she will be a loss to the council. Representatives from LTP are currently taking part in the interviews today.