Issue - items at meetings - Housing Committee Workplan Progress Update and Housing Performance Report Quarter 2 2021/22

RESOLVED:

2.1       That Housing Committee notes the report and comments on the priorities for the work programme going forwards.

2.2       That a revised workplan is presented for consideration at Housing Committee in June 2022.

54.1     The Head of Strategy & Supply introduced the report to the committee.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

54.2     Councillor Meadows raised questions relating to the 0.22% decrease in the collection of rents, the 273 empty properties awaiting works, with a forecast of an £1m overspend for the HRA, Homeless Reduction Board reports coming to committee, incentivise households to relinquish council tenancies as an alternative to right to buy, 89.1% of leaseholds having a gas safe certificate, total rent reserve of £1.233m, and of those claiming Universal Credit, where is the total rent arrears information from? The councillor was informed that the increase in rent arrears is slight, and the council is performing well against other bench marked authorities. Also, there is ‘policy and practice’ to identify those in need. The officer noted that empty properties would be back in the black within a year. The Homeless Reduction Board reports have come to committee, and there were no figures as yet on the incentive for households to relinquish tenancies. The council are working with landlords get 100% of leasehold properties to have a gas safety certificate. The total rent reserves supports keeping the rents down and increases housing supply, which helps balance homes and rent levels. The rent arrears information is obtained from Department of Work and Pensions and 57% of tenants are claiming Universal Credit.

54.3     Councillor Meadows continued and raised further questions relating to stage three disputes, appendix 2 and ethical loans for homes. The councillor was informed that the next step for stage 3 disputes was not necessarily court action, the best way forward for the leaseholder is considered first. It was noted that appendix 2 of the report was linked to the joint programme and performance report and was a reminder to committee of the items discussed in 2019/20.

54.4     Councillor Platts raised questions relating to complaints, turn round time for adaptions, and average re-let times. The councillor was informed that the complaints response times are good, and the council were looking at speeding up the turn around and re-let times. It was noted that many job posts have been filled, around 60% of those outstanding, with a contractor coming on stream for adaptations.

54.5     Councillor Mears raised questions relating to £1m overspend snapshot and communal lift parts and repair. The councillor was informed that the snapshot was taken at the end of December 2021, lift repairs were ongoing and replacement parts were an ongoing challenge and the situation was constantly being reviewed.

54.6     Councillor Williams raised questions relating to mutual exchange programme, empty homes strategy and number of complaints relating to AirBnB’s. The councillor was informed that the AirBnB complaint numbers would be sent later after the meeting, the empty homes strategy was as responsive as possible and supportive with funding where possible. The Head of Tenancy Services informed the councillor that the mutual exchanges were mostly under a year, around 9 months to complete, with often 12 at one time, to be completed within the 42 days statutory deadline. Urgent needs are addressed first with each property being inspected and repairs caried out. There is always a balance to be struck with other Voids from other social landlords.

54.7     Councillors Williams, Mears and Hugh-Jones requested an update on the current situation for Mutual Exchanges. The Head of Tenancy Services stated they would update the committee.

54.8     Councillor Fowler raised questions relating to common reasons for rent arrears, who benefits from solar panels, how can pigeons be deterred from roosting under panels and are apprentices being recruited? The councillor was informed that the reasons for rent arrears were often furlough, loss of job, or reduction income. The tenants are supported and informed of ways to maximise incomes, access government funds through programmes and discretionary housing payment. Tenants get a reduction in running costs when Solar panels are installed. Pigeons can be moved away from panels by ‘scarecrows’ on the roof. Apprentices are being recruited and will be ongoing.

54.9     Councillor Gibson stated that they were proud of the work done to achieve additional council homes and wished for more. It was noted that the pandemic had impacted on achievements and targets may need to be revised with input from Housing panels across the city.

54.10  Councillor Osborne noted council are behind on the private rented sector affordable housing, however, meetings are being held and robust monitoring put in place. The private rented sector covers around 40,000 properties in the city and the council need to look at future working plans with a selective licensing review upcoming. Government support was received in 2019 and a letter ahs been sent to the government about a national licensing scheme. The councillor stated they would welcome licensing of AirBnB’s.

            Vote

54.11 A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to note the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

2.1       That Housing Committee notes the report and comments on the priorities for the work programme going forwards.

2.2       That a revised workplan is presented for consideration at Housing Committee in June 2022.