Agenda item - Resident Questions, 2 & 3 Star

5.1      Justine Harris introduced question N2.1, regarding the police and council working together better on ASB issues, and advised that representatives from the police and Allocations team were present at the meeting to answer questions from residents. 

5.2      Mitch Watkinson raised resident concerns about lack of communication from the police and not having the opportunity to meet with the PCSOs.

5.3      Donna James raised that they would like further discussion on how the police, council and RAs can better support residents dealing with anti-social behaviour.

5.4      Barney Miller raised the importance of residents being kept informed regarding closure orders and bail conditions.

5.5      Harry Williams discussed the Task and Finish Group set up by Overview and Scrutiny Committee and how the learning from this will inform practice, including how to communicate better around anti-social behaviour.

5.6      Justine Harris discussed work being done on victim and witness standards and the increased resources within the Housing Service, including additional Complex Case and Tenancy Sustainment teams, and the introduction of Neighbourhood Officers.

5.7      Ian Beck discussed the positive impact a police presence has with regards to ASB and raised that secure entry systems for the blocks would help to stop ongoing issues. 

5.8      In response to Donna James raising support for residents, Harry Williams discussed the importance of the role of residents associations in their local areas in flagging vulnerable residents, and that it would be useful to have residents’ views on the changes the council is making.

5.9      Alice Morel gave an update regarding work on housing allocations and sensitive lets, the workshops they are planning with residents to better understand their experiences and rolling out processes that come from these.

5.10    In response to PCSOs raising that they have set up meetings for residents which haven’t been attended, residents discussed how they can assist with sharing information.

5.11    Harry Williams advised that they can support this by sharing details of local PCSOs with residents.

5.12    In relation to question N2.3 regarding scheduled maintenance, Mikila Beck advised that residents’ associations can be provided with a list of properties that have already been completed, along with the schedule of those still to be carried out.

5.13    In response to Jenny Simmonds’ question regarding guttering, Mikia Beck confirmed that they will be looking at individual homes as well as blocks and these would be included in the schedule being provided to residents’ associations.

5.14    Ian Beck raised that the regular maintenance is a good idea and seems to be preventing problems before they happen.

5.15    In relation to question N3.1 regarding communication from the council, Barney Miller discussed improvements and ongoing concerns on behalf of residents, including heavy-handed communications from gas services.

5.16    Mikila Beck advised they would raise the above with the gas contractor and asked for specific examples regarding communication breakdowns so they can track and learn from them.

5.17    In relation to question 3.2 regarding bins, street furniture and cars obstructing pavements, Ian Beck raised that this is an ongoing problem in Hollingdean.

5.18    Mitch Watkinson discussed the work they have been doing with Melissa Francis and other council officers with a view to implementing resident permits and a one-way system for bin collections. Mitch advised that it would be useful for the whole are to do a health and safety overview on this.

5.19    In response to Heather Hayes raising that council operatives have been parking on pavements, grass verges and in disabled bays, Mikila Beck advised that a general reminder can be sent out to the team and asked that residents call the helpdesk with registration numbers so they can raise it with specific individuals where needed.  

5.20    Councillor Fowler advised that they had received an email which clarifies that any cars parking on verges where there are double yellows will be ticketed.

5.21    Councillor Fowler also informed the panel that they had spoken with Councillor Rowkins regarding bins on pavements and it was confirmed that work is still being done on this to try and get more letters out to residents.

5.22    PCSOs discussed the powers they have to seize certain vehicles where they are causing hazards and advised residents to report vehicles causing obstructions to 101.