Agenda item

Councillor Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing, presented his report to the Council, which was set out on pages 29 – 34 of the agenda.  It was noted that the report covered a wide range of areas which reflected the Council’s commitment to quality housing.

Councillor Nannestad wished his thanks be recorded to all staff for their hard work during the pandemic, along with the challenges experienced in the supply of materials and a shortage in the labour market. Councillor Nannestad was pleased to highlight excellent areas of performance, such as rent collection and the completion of De Wint Court extra care housing, which was a flagship development for the Council.  Tracey Footsoy, Housing Strategy Officer, was congratulated for her work on the De Wint Court extra care housing development.

The Council was provided with an opportunity to make comments and ask questions, where the following points were confirmed:

·        The total council housing stock was discussed and it was confirmed that the Council had circa 7,800 properties.  Comparisons were made to the number of properties in 1982 and 1991.

·        Specific concerns were raised regarding antisocial behaviour towards elderly residents in a particular ward and whether the tenancy agreement had sufficient powers to deal with the issue. It was explained that gathering evidence was key to ensure a positive outcome in court.

·        Daryl Wright, Maintenance Team Leader, had been commended by two constituents, for his work to address issues they had raised.

·        The De Wint Court extra care housing development was cited as an excellent project, which had involved ward councillors throughout its whole development. 

·        It was pleasing to see an additional 42 new homes in Moorland.

·        The work of the housing team to reduce its carbon footprint was also commended.

·        Councillor Nannestad was pleased to confirm that the new builds at Rookery Lane were progressing well and that there had recently been a naming ceremony for the development.  It was confirmed that there would be two four-bedroom properties; ten three-bedroom properties; 23 two-bedroom properties; four bungalows; and a small number of flats.

·        Although there was a direct link between housing conditions and health, household income and levels of air pollution were also key factors which affected the health of the population.  Suicide rates in Lincoln were also discussed and key partners were currently trying to find an explanation, and this work was ongoing.

·        It was confirmed that right to buy receipts had been spent on time and the Council would continue to do so.

·        The Personal Assistant to the Director of Housing and Investment was congratulated for her hard work supporting councillors with housing matters.

·        It was confirmed that a decarbonisation policy had been approved at a recent meeting of the Executive.  In response to a question, it was advised that it was not always possible to use solar panels, particularly on flats as any privately owned occupants would also have to give consent to them being erected. Therefore, the Council was focusing on improving insulation in homes. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.