Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Pete West:

a)    presented his report regarding activity and achievements within his portfolio

b)    reported on several achievements of note during the year as follows:

·         Accreditation for the Anti-Social Behaviour Team in Tenancy Services

·         In co-operation with Waterloo Housing the Council were delivering 139 houses as Council properties with 71 for the housing association

·         The landlord accreditation scheme was now up and running

·         The rogue landlord initiative was now staffed and to date there had been one very successful prosecution with others ongoing within the system

c)    reported on improved performance in relation to rent arrears, void properties and repairs in the city

d)    commended officers throughout the housing department for their efficient work throughout the year

e)    stated that this would be the last report from him and took this opportunity to thank all officers past and present for their support and advice over the years.

Members thanked Councillor West for his hard work and commitment over the time he had been Portfolio Holder.

Comment: The Central Heating Scheme had not been publicised over all the wards but seemed to be confined to the usual 3 wards.

Response:  There was a need to commit to areas where there was thought to be poverty deprivation.

Comment: This was not good enough - there were needs in all areas and should not be bound by geography but by need.

Response:  It was agreed that there was a requirement for assistance in all areas however this was a pilot scheme with only £200k to spend. This amount would only cover between 40 – 45 properties and the Council did not want to raise expectations and then not be able to deliver. As it was a pilot scheme this would be monitored carefully with an aspiration to grow the scheme and should there be no take up then the offer would be opened up to other areas.

Question: The Committee had been waiting a long time for a report on Homelessness, how many people were on the homelessness register and was any progress being made on this issue?

Response: The section had suffered staff vacancies and there were 3 other significant reasons for the report being delayed. These were as follows:

·         Replacement of the IT system with a market product rather than a bespoke one, along with issues with the supplier.

·         Policy changes – Allocation policy

·         Preparation for the Homelessness Act coming in during April 2018.

The report was now scheduled for June as it would contain more meaningful targets and take into account any changes brought about by the implementation of the Homelessness Act. The Council was endeavouring to work closely with partners to achieve a more joined up approach.

Question: Did officers know what impact Universal Credit would have on homelessness?

Response: This was a challenge and the effects were not known at the moment. However a considerable amount of work had been going on in the background in preparation for this time. An increase in rent arrears was expected. The Council considered eviction as a very last resort when all other avenues of help had been exhausted and a structured tenant support team would be available to help residents.

RESOLVED that the content of the Portfolio Performance Overview of Housing be noted.