Issue - items at meetings - Housing Committee Workplan Progress Update and Housing Performance Report Quarter 3 2021/22

RESOLVED:

2.1       That Housing Committee notes the report.

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

Answers to Committee Member Questions

67.2    Councillor Platts was informed that the team do everything they can to get the right size accommodation for residents but sometimes smaller is given as it is the quickest way to house vulnerable persons. It was noted there is a shortage of two bed accommodation. There is no ‘zero evictions’ policy but evictions are a last resort. The committee were informed there were two evictions in quarter 3. It was considered that the increase in anti-social behaviour cases was COVID related, and this has been noted across the UK. It was noted that re-lets would increase rather than decrease as the team are catching up on a back log from COVID restrictions. The report states that 103 properties were re-let in the last quarter. Major works are being delayed by the availability of materials; however, the works are being addressed. The councillor will receive a written response relating to solar panel repairs and maintenance.

67.3    Councillor Meadows was informed that the residents are able to contribute to works when and where possible. Communications are ongoing via the Community Engagement Team. Some loss to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has been due to voids and rent arrears. The council are working with residents who are not claiming benefits and supporting others. Articles on how to claim have been published in the ‘Homing In’ magazine. The ban on court actions during COVID has been lifted and the council will start to look at serving notices. Further support will be offered once a notice is served.

67.4    Councillor Gibson expressed concerns at the downturn in re-lets.

67.5    Councillor Barnett was informed that the 60 comments were compliments not complaints. The reasons for the length of time taken for re-lets was referred to at the previous committee and the figures are rounded up into days not hours, and therefore not exact, however, times are coming down. It was noted that the concept of residents moving into properties whilst the works were still being actioned was a good idea in some circumstances.

67.6    Councillor Williams was informed that they will receive a written response regarding the replacement window programme. The most urgent issues are looked into first at this time. The councillor was requested to let the officers know of any particular cases. It was noted that Craven Dale window replacements start in the next financial year.

Vote

67.7    A vote was taken, and the committee unanimously agreed the recommendations.

67.8    RESOLVED:

2.1       That Housing Committee notes the report.