Issue - items at meetings - Housing Management Performance Report Quarter 1 2013/14

18.1         The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director – Environment, Development & Housing on Housing Management Performance Report Quarter 1 2013/14. The report was presented by Ms Dafe, the Head of Income, Involvement & Improvement (Housing).

18.2         Councillor Peltzer Dunn thanked officers for the report and the information provided. He referred to paragraph 4.0 and suggested that the figure of £764,990 be referred to as ‘arrears’ and not ‘Rent collected as proportion of rent due each year (current balance £764,990)’. Councillor Peltzer Dunn referred to paragraph 4.2 and the reference to properties with an up to date gas certificate, and asked why the number of properties fluctuated. Officers advised that the number varied as some properties were sold, some had recently had gas installed etc.

18.3         Councillor Peltzer Dunn referred to Appendix 2, and noted that two properties in Westbourne had been empty for 715 days. He accepted there would be delays with any major refurbishment, such as having to obtain planning permission, but asked why it was taking so long. The Head of Housing was unable to provide an answer at the meeting, and said more information would be provided later. Councillor Peltzer Dunn then referred to the number of households affected by the under occupation charge and the total arrears from under occupying households, and was concerned that the figures weren’t consistent.  Officers said the number of those affected by under occupation was constantly changing as people’s circumstances altered. Some tenants had moved out of council properties, or had completed a mutual exchange, or were no longer in receipt of Housing Benefit etc and so the figures would not remain constant. The Chair agreed that the information in the report could be clearer and asked that the next report provide more information.

18.4         Councillor Mears referred to Appendix 1 and asked why so many properties were being transferred to Seaside Homes when there were so many people on the waiting list for properties. The Head of Housing said that a review was currently being undertaken on the criteria for transferring properties, and the Sub Committee would be advised once the review had been completed. Councillro Mears was concerned that the format of the report had changed, and was advised that any amendments had only been made following requests from the Sub Committee.

18.5         Coucnillor Mears referred to paragraph 4.4.1 which gave the number of Anti-Social Behaviour incidents by ward, and asked why the number in East Brighton was comparatively high. The Chair said that the level of deprivation within the city varied and that could impact on the level of anti-social behaviour. The Chair suggested that it would be useful to have more information on the type of incidents.

18.6         Ms Hayes referred to under occupancy of properties and, as there were many people who were waiting for larger properties to become available, asked if those who were under occupying were being encouraged to move. Officers confirmed that a significant amount of work was being done to support those who were under occupying properties to move. In particular there was the Transfer Incentive Scheme (TIS), which provided assistant with all aspects of moving, such as the cost of the move, buying new carpets etc.

18.7         Councillor Shanks asked if any events were being held to publicise the TIS. Officers advised there were, and one was recently held to promote mutual exchange of properties. The event had been very successful and more were being planned.

18.8         Mr Penrose referred to paragraph 4.1 and asked if the figures included properties in Sheltered Housing, as he was aware of one property which had been empty for a year as the tenant had been moved into care and did not have the mental capacity to end the tenancy on their flat. Officers said that the issue of mental capacity and giving up tnenancies was complex, and there were a number of cases under review at the moment.

18.9         RESOLVED: That the Housing Management Consultative Sub Committee noted the report.