Agenda item - Students in the Community - Scrutiny Review Panel Report

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance, together with the report of the Adult Social Care & Housing Scrutiny Review Panel and an extract from the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 12^th November detailing the Executive response to the Review Panel’s report (copies attached).

46.1       Councillor Meadows introduced the report which detailed the findings of the Adult Social Care & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s Scrutiny Review Panel which looked at the issues relating to the growing number of students in the city and their impact on communities.

46.2       Councillor Wrighton stated that she fully supported the report and noted that the Panel’s recommendations had taken some time to be considered by the Cabinet and welcomed the additional response from the Local Strategic Housing Partnership.

46.3       Councillor Caulfield welcomed the report but was disappointed that a number of the recommendations had focussed on environment and planning matters and had not addressed matters such as the change of use of family homes into student accommodation.  She hoped that such matters would be taken up by the Strategic Housing Partnership.

46.4       Councillor Mears stated that she felt it was important to recognise the work of Dr. smith from Brighton University with the Housing Partnership and that the Panel’s recommendations were being taken forward.

46.5       Councillor Randall welcomed the report but queried whether the Housing Partnership’s work was having any real effect in certain wards such as his own.  He believed the use of homes and the failure of landlords to look after their properties contributed to the problem and hoped that further work with the universities could be undertaken to encourage better use of the Halls of Residence and an understanding of the needs of local communities.

46.6       Councillor Theobald offered his congratulations to the Members of the Review Panel on an excellent report and noted that the recommendations linked to the Environment Directorate had been implemented.

46.7       Councillor Meadows thanked the Members for their comments and stated that the Panel had to complete its task and therefore had not been able to look at all aspects involving the impact of students.  She believed that there was a need to work with the universities and to consider how affordable accommodation for students could be provided, whilst recognising the demand for family homes etc.

46.8       The Mayor noted that the report was before council for noting and asked that it be noted.

46.9       RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Refreshment Break

46.10    The Mayor stated that in view of the time and in wishing to give the opportunity for a full debate on the next item, she proposed to adjourn the meeting for the refreshment break.

46.11    The meeting was then adjourned at 6.25pm.

46.12    The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 6.55pm.