Issue - meetings

Report from the Director (Community Services) to form part of the programme of frontline service reviews.

The frontline service review for housing was presented to members. Information was received in relation to housing options (including allocations), tenancy management, sheltered and supported housing and housing repairs, along with an overview in relation to the investment plan and changes made as a result of changing government policy. It was acknowledged that the customer base and type of issues dealt with by the team had changed over the years and officers had to deal with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, amongst others.

Councillor Ward entered the meeting at 6.32pm.

A member expressed concern that, despite hard work by officers and the police, perpetrators of anti social behaviour were not dealt with appropriately by the judicial system. It was felt that judges had more concern for the rights of the perpetrator that the impact of anti social behaviour on residents.

A member asked whether sub-letting of council properties was an issue, and in response it was noted that a previous government-funded exercise on tenancy fraud had shown that it was not a big problem in this area, although when allegations were received they were investigated and action taken.

Concern was expressed in relation to the maintenance of properties by tenants, particularly garden areas, and it was asked what powers existed to enforce maintenance. In response it was noted that a report on the subject had been requested for a future meeting of the Scrutiny Commission.

In response to a member’s question about adapted properties, it was explained that when an adapted property was being re-let, it was advertised with the adaptations in an attempt to match it to the needs of someone else on the waiting list. It was noted that for the most part it was bungalows and ground floor flats that had adaptations and these were easy to match to others in need of the same adaptations.

Members asked to be kept updated on whether the sale of high value voids was being withdrawn from the Housing & Planning Act. A more detailed report on housing repairs (the balance between services carried out by HBBC staff and by contractors) was requested to a future meeting.