Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Gibbens.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2022.

It was moved by Councillor Williams seconded by Councillor Webber-Jones and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2022 be confirmed and signed by the chairman     

To inform members of key activities and performance within the Council Housing Service including; Anti-Social Behaviour, Rents, Tenancy Management, Housing Repairs and Older Persons services

Members were updated on the key activities and performance on the tenancy management, anti-social behaviour, older persons services and housing repairs teams within the council housing service. During presentation and discussion the following points were raised:

·         Demand for council housing remained high

·         The ambition remained to increase the housing stock

·         Covid impacted on the ability to carry out housing repairs

·         The financial impact had been significant on tenants and rent collection rates had dropped considerably throughout the pandemic. This meant that rent arrears were collected subsequently with rental payment plans.

·         Redeveloped housing shelter scheme for the over 60’s – Ambion court

In response to a question from Members around decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements it was confirmed that grant funding had been received to improve the thermal efficiency of up to 48 properties. It was noted that it was a priority for the service to meet carbonisation requirements.

In response to a question from Members around the heating supply in Ambion Court it was confirmed that all 24 units had been let out with electrical heating. It was noted that the department would be working towards viable alternatives for the wider housing portfolio as the market changed.

In relation to homelessness, it was noted that financial pressure had increased over the previous two years due to a number of reasons, including the government directive to accommodate people to whom the authority would not usually have a duty. It was anticipated that people would continue to struggle with affordability over the coming months which could add further budget pressures. It was confirmed that a report on wider housing need would be presented to a future meeting of the scrutiny commission.

The report was noted.

Councillor Sheppard-Bools entered the meeting at 6.56pm.

To present to members the final outturn position as at December 2021

Members were updated on the final outturn position as at December 2021.

The report was noted.

To inform members of the Treasury Management activity in the third quarter of 2021/22

Members were updated on the treasury management activity in the third quarter of 2021/22.

It was confirmed that due to the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine the increase in prices was beginning to affect the interest rates. There had been quite significant movement on rates which would need to be reflected in any debt that the authority were borrowing.

The report was noted.

To inform members of the position on sundry debts as at 31 December 2021

Members were updated of the position on sundry debts as at December 2021.

The report was noted.

To inform members of the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme.

Members queried when they would be getting an update on planning performance, it was confirmed that they would receive updates by way of the quarterly performance reports. Members requested assurance that an update would be presented at the next meeting.

Members noted the work programme.