Agenda item - Strategic Risk Focus: SR30 Place Based Leadership; SR23 Seafront Investment; SR21 Housing Pressures; and SR26 Council Relationship with Citizens

Report of the Executive Lead Officer, Strategy, Governance & Law

1)         That the Audit & Standards Committee notes the CRAF report Appendix 2 for details of SR30; SR23; SR21 and SR26.

2)         That, having considered Appendix 2 of the CRAF report and any clarification and/or comments from the officers, the Committee makes any recommendations it considers appropriate to the relevant council body.

3)         That the Committee note that (as detailed in paragraph 3.3) there have been no changes to the council’s SRR.

SR30 Place Based Leadership

39.1    The Chief Executive introduced SR30. The need to articulate better political leadership within the city and wider region had been identified in the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review especially relating to health and social care integration and devolution.

39.2    Ms Bushell asked that where outside bodies where mentioned in reports a description of how they provide assurance was also included. A list of organisations was included in the paperwork without any description of controls.

39.3    Councillor Sykes noted that although SR30 was a new risk the controls were largely already in place. He asked if there was any specific work that was being done or any that could be done.

39.4    The Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture responded that work was being done through the Greater Brighton Economic Board to look at supporting the city’s economy through Brexit.

39.5    In response to the Chair the Chief Executive stated that success at mitigating SR30 could be measured by the relationship between the Council and partner organisations as well as central government as seen through feedback to Councillors and officers.

            SR23 Seafront Investment

39.6    The Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture stated that the seafront was a key asset for the city but there were heritage structures that would require significant investment. SR23 tracked the progress of investment in the seafront and ensured that there was an effective strategy in place. There had been significant recent investment in the seafront especially around the i360 and the Volks Railway.

39.7    Councillor Sykes asked if the Council could apply for grants from the £4 million community fund launched by Rampion Offshore Wind Farm.

39.8    The Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture responded that he believed that the fund was for community groups but he would investigate further.

            SR21 Housing Pressures

39.9    The Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture stated that there continued to be an issue of demand for housing, and that this was out-stripping supply. The report outlined work across the organisation including; the New Homes for Neighbourhoods scheme, the joint venture with Hyde Housing, steps being taken to encourage the development of affordable housing and the completion of the Brooke Mead Extra Care Housing.

39.10  In response to Councillor Simson the Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture stated that hidden homelessness was by its nature difficult to measure. It could be seen in overcrowded conditions and two households living together.

39.11  The Chief Executive responded to Councillor Sykes that work around the regulation of the private rented market and supporting private tenants was something that could be expanded on in future reports and more information could be provided after the meeting.

39.12  Ms Bushell asked what percentage of development actually achieved the target of 40% affordable housing, if viability assessments were made publicly available and whether the council challenged these assessments.

39.13  The Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture responded that he did not have a specific figure to hand but that there was a significant number where viability implications meant the 40% affordable homes target was not met. Viability assessments were challenged through the district valuer or independent valuer. There was a report being considered by the Tourism, Development and Culture committee on 10/01/2018 which recommended a move to open book planning applications, a policy adopted by most London boroughs.

39.14  In response to the Chair the Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture stated that the government had launched its Industrial Strategy White Paper which signalled increased powers for localities to establish housing deals with government around unlocking or accelerating housing delivery. The Greater Brighton Economic Board would be considering reports on this matter in February and April 2018.

            SR26 Council Relationship with Citizens

39.15  The Chief Executive stated that SR26 had received a new focus with the creation of the new Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing Directorate. There were new initiatives such as the new Field Officer role, supporting members with ward budgets, and strengthening member support. The council was looking to work with General Practitioner (GP) clusters as part of health and social integration. Tackling antisocial behaviour in the city needed to be a priority.

39.16  Councillor Sykes stated that he understood the motivation behind pursing higher rates of cost recovery, but cautioned that a more hardnosed approach could threaten the viability of community groups and damage relationships with residents.

39.17  Dr Horne noted that the CRAF report showed a low completion rate for actions designed to build social capital and local leadership.

39.18  The Chief Executive responded that the Directorate and its new Executive Director had only been in place for around a year and there had been a significant review and reorganisation of teams within the Directorate.

39.19  Councillors Robins stated that the focus of community groups had moved away from meetings to online groups through social media and that particularly antisocial behaviour was not necessarily being reported to Local Action Teams.

39.20  The Chief Executive agreed that the council needed a greater presence on social media and to move to where residents were. The Digital First team would help improve online access.

39.21 Resolved:

1)         That the Audit & Standards Committee noted the CRAF report Appendix 2 for details of SR30; SR23; SR21 and SR26.

2)         That, having considered Appendix 2 of the CRAF report and any clarification and/or comments from the officers, the Committee makes any recommendations it considers appropriate to the relevant council body.

3)         That the Committee note that (as detailed in paragraph 3.3) there have been no changes to the council’s Strategic Risk Register.