Issue - items at meetings - Adverse Weather Policy 2011

Report of Head of Housing and Social Inclusion (copy attached).

(1)       That the Housing & Social Inclusion – Council Housing Adverse Weather Policy 2011 be approved for publication and implementation.

58.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Head of Housing and Social Inclusion which set out the proposed Council Housing Adverse Weather Policy.  The aim of the policy was to identify the appropriate actions that would be taken by Housing and Social Inclusion on housing land during severe weather conditions effecting employees, tenants, leaseholder contractors and members of the public.  The document set out the minimum standards of service which would be provided and defined the required responsibilities.  The policy also formed a part of the corporate plan and set out the provisions in the event of extreme weather.    

58.2    RESOLVED - 1)       That the Housing & Social Inclusion – Council Housing Adverse Weather Policy 2011 be approved for publication and implementation.

Report of Head of Housing and Social Inclusion (copy attached).

52.1    The Committee considered a report of the Head of Housing and Social Inclusion which stated that the Regulatory Framework for Social Housing required that the social housing providers had a Neighbourhood Policy.  The Adverse Weather Policy (Appendix 1) sat under the Neighbourhood Policy and contributed to the neighbourhood and community standards outlined in the policy, and the Annual Report to Council Tenants and Leaseholders. 

52.2    The Chair had agreed that the Committee would receive a joint PowerPoint presentation on all three policies submitted to this meeting.   The presentation was circulated to all Members at the meeting.         

52.3    Councillor Farrow stressed the need for housing to successfully liaise with other departments such as highways, particularly in relation to gritting.  He also mentioned the serious flood in Lower Bevendean in 2000.  Councillor Farrow suggested housing officers liaised with emergency planning officers to check the dams in Bevendean, before the start of inclement weather.  

52.4    The Chair concurred with this view.  She was keen to see cross department working in the Council.   

52.5    Roy Crowhurst stated that he was pleased that there would be housing grit bins.  He asked for assurance that they would be filled with grit.  The Head of Tenancy Services explained that the bins were all filled with grit or were being filled with grit. There was a major incident team with 4 wheel drive cars that would prioritise helping vulnerable people in the event of bad weather.  However, they could be used to re-fill grit bins if necessary.  Officers would do their best to fill grit bins.  Grit bins on estates were kept locked.  

52.6    John Melson referred to paragraph 7.6 of the policy (areas of greatest risk) and asked if this included high rise blocks.  The Head of Tenancy Services confirmed that it did include high rise blocks.   

52.7    Mr Melson expressed concern about the distribution of grit bins.  He applied for one some time ago and would like one supplied for his high rise block.

52.8    Heather Hayes mentioned that there were two steep hills to get to Crespin way in Hollingdean.  A grit bin had been requested last year, but only arrived after the snow had gone. She asked if grit could be supplied in the event of snow if there was no grit bin.  The Team Manager, Highways explained that there would be no more grit bins provided on highways.  Officers were looking to provide grit drops.  Ms Hayes’ comments had been taken on board and officers were investigating whether a grit bag could be provided.  Officers would do their best to provide grit bags before the event occurred. 

52.9    Councillor Wells asked if the grit bins were kept locked.  The Head of Tenancy Services explained that the bins were locked during the summer.  They were unlocked during the winter.  On estates, the grit was kept in cleaners’ store cupboards.  If there was an area that could store grit, officers could supply grit for that area.

52.10  Councillor Duncan mentioned that there had been a number of complaints last year that bins were blocking access for wheelchair users and buggies.  

52.11  Councillor Farrow mentioned that a BBC TV programme had reported a prediction of snow showers in December and heavy snow in January .  He suggested that the council should have everything in place in time for the predicted period of snow and ice. 

52.12  Councillor Robins mentioned that he had attended a meeting during the morning where the Civil Contingency Manager had spoken.  He had only identified vulnerable buildings and not vulnerable people.  The Head of Tenancy Services replied that officers did have data on where vulnerable residents lived.  Officers were in the process of carrying out three yearly visits. The Chair asked Members to let officers know if they were aware of vulnerable tenants.

52.13  John Melson stated that one issue that was not properly addressed was the delivery of medicines in the event of snow and ice.  Some areas were cut off and the delivery of medicines failed.  He asked if it was possible for chemists to participate in a scheme where there could be a central point where an emergency “hit squad” could deliver emergency medication.

52.14  The Head of Tenancy Services explained that the major incident team included Adult Social Care and health officers.  There would be 4 wheel drive cars working 24 hours a day to help vulnerable people with care packages.  She would take back Mr Melson’s suggestion to see if something could be done.

52.15  David Murtagh mentioned that he had requested grit for a steep road in East Moulsecoomb.   He had been told he had asked for too much.  He stressed that residents needed to get to work and to the shops. 

52.16  The Chair suggested that a map showing locations of grit should be made available.  The Team Manager, Highways informed the Committee that there was already a map on the council’s website.  The map located grit bins and grit drops.  The Chair suggested it would be helpful to have printed copies of the map.  The Head of Tenancy Services agreed to provide paper copies for the HMCC members.

52.17  An indicative vote was taken by tenants’ representatives.  The vote was unanimously in favour of the recommendations.

52.18  RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Housing be recommended to a  approve the Housing and Social Inclusion  - Council Housing Adverse Weather Policy 2011 for publication and implementation.